Interactive Sculpting Using Augmented-Reality, Mesh Morphing, and Force Feedback

This article describes an innovative methodology to integrate force-feedback capabilities into an augmented-reality (AR) environment to perform real-time morphing of geometrical surfaces with functionalities. The methodology addresses the interactive sculpting applied to engineering problems with geometry modification and optimization. The objective is to give the designer a computer-aided design (CAD) tool that allows for the modification of a component shape directly touching its virtual representation. The proposed approach is based on the use of radial basis function (RBF) morpher to achieve reliable and robust results in real-time computation. The methodology combines the potentialities of the video-based AR with the use of a force-feedback device. The mixture of such ingredients produces a high level of realism and enhances the interaction level between the user and the objects to be edited, moving a step forward in comparison with standard computer-aided engineering (CAE) methodologies. © 2012 IEEE.