Method and system for manipulating a three-dimensional object utilizing a force feedback interface

A method for allowing a user to manipulate a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment utilizing a force feedback interface, the three-dimensional object having a plurality of input parameters defining a shape associated therewith, the method comprising:

• defining a first pull area around each of the plurality of input parameters defining the object, wherein the first pull area has an increasing force associated therewith to generate a field of attraction around the object;
• applying the increasing force to the force feedback interface when the force feedback interface is inside the first pull area so as to guide the user in selecting one of the input parameters associated with the object;
• and
• manipulating the selected input parameter so as to change the shape of the object in the CAD environment, wherein defining the first pull area further includes defining a second pull area within each of the first pull areas having a decreasing force associated therewith within a predetermined range from each of the plurality of input parameters so as to ensure stability in selecting one of the input parameters.

A system for allowing a user to manipulate a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment utilizing a force feedback interface, the three-dimensional object having a plurality of input parameters defining a shape associated therewith, the system comprising:

• a processor operative to define a first pull area around each of the plurality of input parameters defining the object, wherein each of the first pull areas has an increasing force associated therewith to generate a field of attraction around the object;
• a controller for applying the increasing force to the force feedback interface when the force feedback interface is inside the first pull area so as to guide the user in selecting one of the input parameters associated with the object;
• and
• the processor further operative to manipulate the selected input parameter so as to change the shape of the object in the CAD environment.

A system for allowing a user to manipulate a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment utilizing a force feedback interface, the three-dimensional object having a plurality of input parameters defining a shape associated therewith, the system comprising:

• a processor operative to define a first pull area around each of the plurality of input parameters defining the object, wherein each of the first pull areas has an increasing force associated therewith to generate a field of attraction around the object;
• a controller for applying the increasing force to the force feedback interface when the force feedback interface is inside the first pull area so as to guide the user in selecting one of the input parameters associated with the object;
• and
• the processor further operative to manipulate the selected input parameter so as to change the shape of the object in the CAD environment, wherein the processor is further operative to define a second pull area within each of the first pull areas having a decreasing force associated therewith within a predetermined range from each of the plurality of input parameters so as to ensure stability in selecting one of the input parameters.

A method for manipulating a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment utilizing a force feedback interface, the three-dimensional object having a plurality of input parameters defining a shape, location and orientation associated therewith, the method comprising;

• defining a first gravitational sphere around each of the plurality of input parameters having an increasing force associated therewith;
• defining a second gravitational sphere within each of the first gravitational spheres having a decreasing force associated therewith within a predetermined range from each of the plurality of input parameters;
• applying the increasing force to the force feedback interface based on the first gravitational spheres;
• and
• receiving an input signal from the force feedback interface based on the applied force indicating selection of one of the plurality of input parameters.

A system for manipulating a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment utilizing a force feedback interface, the three-dimensional object having a plurality of input parameters defining a shape, location and orientation associated therewith, the system comprising:

• a processor operative to define a first gravitational sphere around each of the plurality of input parameters having an increasing force associated therewith and further operative to define a second gravitational sphere within each of the first gravitational spheres having a decreasing force associated therewith within a predetermined range from each of the plurality of input parameters;
• a controller for applying the increasing force to the force feedback interface based on the first gravitational spheres;
• and
• the processor further operative to receive an input signal from the force feedback interface based on the applied force indicating selection of one of the plurality of input parameters.