Virtual Environment for Pulley Experiment using Tablet-PC and Portable Haptic Device

Abstract

In this study, a virtual experiment environment for pulley learning using a tablet-PC and portable haptic device (SPIDAR-tablet) is developed. A learner drags pulleys on a tablet-PC by finger to construct a pulley system. Then, the learner can experience weight corresponding to the constructed virtual pulley system by dragging a string on the display. The learner can conduct virtual experiments by various pulley systems to recognize the difference between weights through the haptic device by reconstructing the system. Additionally, a SPIDAR-tablet is added to the base for portability; thus, the developed system can be used as a single device. To verify the developed system, an experiment was conducted to confirm that the subject can freely construct the pulley system.