Lmhr
08-29-2006, 11:20 PM
Company brings high-end haptic technology to sub-$100 controller
By Reena Jana
Updated: 5:39 p.m. MT Aug 29, 2006
In 2002, Tom Anderson, chief executive of Novint Technologies, was awaiting the birth of his son, Will. At the time, Novint was developing software for use with haptic devices—controllers that allow the user to feel weight, shape, texture, and other tactile qualities of objects in a digital image. Specifically, Novint was creating the algorithms to extract tactile data from MRIs, CAT scans, and other types of medical imaging so they could be used with state-of-the-art haptic peripherals.
A visit to the obstetrician with his wife served as the unlikely inspiration for the new direction of his company. When Anderson saw the 3-D sonogram of their baby, he realized Novint could create a tactile representation of the infant, too. Mathematically, the data used in an ultrasound are similar to those of an MRI or CAT scan. Soon, the Novint team had adapted its volumetric and tactile software—based on algorithms licensed from Sandia National Laboratories, where Anderson had worked as a scientist—to produce a textured representation of the baby.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14575536/
The Novint Falcon is based on existing professional haptic devices like this large, high-end controller, designed and manufactured by Swiss maker Force Dimension. This controller can cost up to $48,000 and is sold to research institutions.
By Reena Jana
Updated: 5:39 p.m. MT Aug 29, 2006
In 2002, Tom Anderson, chief executive of Novint Technologies, was awaiting the birth of his son, Will. At the time, Novint was developing software for use with haptic devices—controllers that allow the user to feel weight, shape, texture, and other tactile qualities of objects in a digital image. Specifically, Novint was creating the algorithms to extract tactile data from MRIs, CAT scans, and other types of medical imaging so they could be used with state-of-the-art haptic peripherals.
A visit to the obstetrician with his wife served as the unlikely inspiration for the new direction of his company. When Anderson saw the 3-D sonogram of their baby, he realized Novint could create a tactile representation of the infant, too. Mathematically, the data used in an ultrasound are similar to those of an MRI or CAT scan. Soon, the Novint team had adapted its volumetric and tactile software—based on algorithms licensed from Sandia National Laboratories, where Anderson had worked as a scientist—to produce a textured representation of the baby.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14575536/
The Novint Falcon is based on existing professional haptic devices like this large, high-end controller, designed and manufactured by Swiss maker Force Dimension. This controller can cost up to $48,000 and is sold to research institutions.