From: "John H. Doffing" Subject: ANNOUNCE: CyberGrasp Haptic-Feedback System Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 02:55:33 -0700 Organization: Virtual Technologies, Inc. Virtual Technologies, Inc. Introduces the CyberGrasp System Unveils Ground-Breaking Haptic Interface for the Entire Hand FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PALO ALTO, Calif. (August 21, 1997) - Virtual Technologies, Inc., creator of the award-winning CyberGlove instrumented glove, announced today the availability of the CyberGrasp haptic-feedback system. The CyberGrasp system represents a revolution in human-computer-interface technology by enabling CyberGlove users to actually 'touch' computer-generated objects and experience realistic force feedback via the most natural interface possible - the human hand. With the CyberGrasp force feedback system, users are able to explore the physical properties of computer-generated 3D objects they manipulate in a simulated 'virtual world.' Originally developed under contract to the United States Navy for use in telerobotic applications, CyberGrasp allows an operator to control a remotely-located robotic 'hand' and literally 'feel' the object being manipulated. With the first available units scheduled to be delivered to the United States military and leading research institutions worldwide, CyberGrasp will be utilized within a wide variety of 'real world' contexts, including medical applications, virtual reality training and simulation, computer-aided design (CAD), and the remote handling of hazardous materials. "The CyberGrasp haptic-feedback system represents the technological breakthrough that our customers have been demanding," according to Dr. James F. Kramer, President and Founder of Virtual Technologies, Inc. "Realizing the limitations of single-finger interfaces and vibrating joysticks, we set out to develop a haptic-feedback device more closely matched to how one typically experiences the sense of touch in the real world - with the entire hand." Technologically, CyberGrasp is a lightweight, unencumbering force-reflecting exoskeleton that fits over a CyberGlove and adds resistive force feedback to each finger. With the CyberGrasp system, grasp-resisting forces can be programmed to prevent the user's fingers from penetrating or crushing a virtual object. With the introduction of an integrated system that provides physical force feedback to the entire hand, Virtual Technologies continues to advance the cutting-edge of haptic-interface technology and introduce new paradigms of human-computer interaction. A complete CyberGrasp haptic-feedback system comes with a 22-sensor CyberGlove instrumented glove. The CyberGrasp assembly can also be ordered separately as an add-on option for existing CyberGlove users. As a special introductory offer, customers purchasing a CyberGlove will receive full credit toward the upgrade purchase of a complete CyberGrasp system. Virtual Technologies, Inc.: Corporate Overview and Products >From its genesis in the research labs of Stanford University during the mid-1980's and its subsequent incorporation in 1990, Virtual Technologies, Inc. has evolved into a recognized leader within the realm of body-sensing and haptic feedback. Its flagship product, the CyberGlove, is a fully-instrumented glove that provides up to 22 high-accuracy joint measurements. Employing Virtual Technologies' proprietary resistive bend-sensing technology that accurately transforms hand and finger movements into computer-generated data and imagery, the CyberGlove has been used within a wide variety of applications, including virtual reality training and simulation, telerobotic control, sign language/gesture recognition and performance motion capture. From corporate, governmental, medical and university research labs around the world, to Hollywood studios and special effects companies, the CyberGlove has become the de facto standard for high-performance hand measurement and real-time motion capture. Building upon the success of the CyberGlove, Virtual Technologies, Inc. recently introduced the CyberSuit, a wireless full-body motion-capture system employing Virtual Technologies' patented sensing technology to measure the movement of the entire human body. Developed under NASA contract to monitor the biomechanics of astronauts on space missions, the CyberSuit sets a new standard for full-body sensing and high-performance motion capture. Through such innovations, Virtual Technologies, Inc. has solidified its position as a leading developer of integrated body-sensing and haptic-feedback devices. ___________________________________________________________________ John H. Doffing Virtual Technologies, Inc. Director, Sales and Marketing 2175 Park Boulevard Tel 415.321.4900 Fax 415.321.4912 Palo Alto, CA 94306 doffing@virtex.com http://www.virtex.com ___________________________________________________________________ [MODERATOR'S NOTE: Commercial postings are offered on this newsgroup as a public service. Their appearance here does not indicate endorsement by the moderators or by the USENET or its administrators.]