A haptic virtual turning operation system

A prototype system called haptic virtual turning operation system (HVTOS) is presented in this paper. The HVTOS system has three kinds of interactive tools for cutting, browsing and grinding. In cutting operation, a NURBS deformation algorithm is proposed for workpiece modeling which is expected to accelerate haptic and graphical rendering. For grinding operation, a simple NURBS trimming technique is used. In using the HVTOS system, a user can manipulate a virtual tool to cut or polish a virtual workpiece with force feedback as if he/she is working on a real turning machine. The force feedback varies with different simulation parameters such as cutting depth and material properties (e.g. hardness, surface friction and damping coefficients), which can be set by the user before operation. During operation, tool positions and their corresponding forces are recorded in order to provide data for analyzing the performance of tool paths. Vibration, friction and viscous effects felt by a user can improve the simulation fidelity. The proposed system provides an intuitive way not only for the modeling of three dimensional revolved objects but also for the training of lathe machining and. grinding operations. Several models created by this system are given to illustrate the easiness and effectiveness of the HVTOS.