Haptics for Fun and Profit

If you think force feedback is reserved only for jetliner controls, surgical training, and bombsights, think again. The new Falcon from Novint Technologies Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M., lists for $239 and has taken the gaming world by storm.

This isn't the first time game makers have attempted to add haptic feedback. Many games use vibrating wheels and guns to provide a more realistic experience. Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s new Wii video game console uses a wireless controller whose accelerometers and infrared detection system enable the system to locate it in virtual space.

The Falcon provides force feedback that Novint founder Tom Anderson compares to high-end haptic systems costing up to $10,000.

While many haptic devices use a single articulating arm, Falcon uses three arms attached to a single grip that moves up, down, left, right, and forward. The grip is interchangeable, so users can switch from one handle to die next (think pistols, swords, and light sabers), depending on the game. Each arm is driven by a small servomotor. Together, they produce up to two pounds of feedback within a 64cubic-inch working space, 4 inches on a side.

Falcon recalculates feedback every millisecond for a smooth, realistic feel. Anderson opted for a parallel rather than serial communications connection, to speed data transfer cost effectively.

Novint plans to license its haptic technology to non-game software developers. Anderson said Novint has already worked with one medical devices company. Eventually, the Falcon may help engineers get a real handle on new designs before they ever leave the CAD drawing board.

Copyright American Society of Mechanical Engineers Nov 2007
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