Virtual cutting with force feedback

Abstract

Cutting is an essential operation for forming and designing shapes. We have implemented a virtual cutting work space, in which we can create objects of various shapes through cutting operations. An object in the work space is defined as a closed surface that consists of triangle patches. The cutting operation is performed as boolean operations between the object and a cutting surface corresponding to the motion of the cutting blade. We have also employed a force feedback device and liquid crystal shutter glasses to represent the sensation of force while cutting and to provide stereoscopic views of the work space.