LHX - AN INTEGRATED SOFTWARE TOOL FOR HAPTIC INTERFACE

This paper describes a software tool for construction of a virtual env ironment with force feedback. A haptic interface is implemented in var ious mechanical configurations. In most cases, the software of the vir tual environment is tightly connected to the control program of the ha ptic interface. This problem is a hazard for development of further ap plications. We developed a modular software tool called LHX, which sup ports Various types of haptic interface. LHX is composed of seven modu les. Application of the haptic interface is easily reconfigured by exc hanging these modules. The software also supports a user environment w hich includes haptic icons. The effectiveness of LHX is exemplified th rough various applications. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.