Haptic rendering based on spatial run-length encoding

In this paper, an extendable volumetric representation based on run-lengths called spatial run-length encoding (S-RLE) is presented. The S-RLE representation is developed for a haptic shape modeling system that is based on simulated machining processes. In the system, shape modeling is simulated as virtual material removal processes similar to machining processes with volume-based haptic rendering. The object and the tools are represented by S-RLE. The data structure of S-RLE consists of two cross-referenced databases: one is a stack of lists in geometrical domain, recording the runs describing the space occupation of the object; the other is a table in physical domain, describing the physical properties of each element. The latter is extendable to include more diverse physical properties such as parts composed of heterogeneous materials. Algorithms for geometric operations and haptic rendering based on S-RLE are developed. The proposed S-RLE data structure has the features of efficient memory usage, quick collision detection, inherent representation for heterogeneous objects, and fast visual rendering. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.