CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION & HISTORY

1.1 Introduction
Every day of your computing life, you reach out for the mouse whenever you want to move the cursor or activate something. The mouse senses your motion and your clicks and sends them to the computer so it can respond appropriately. An ordinary mouse detects motion in the X and Y plane and acts as a two dimensional controller. It is not well suited for people to use in a 3D graphics environment. Space Mouse is a professional 3D controller specifically designed for manipulating objects in a 3D environment. It permits the simultaneous control of all six degrees of freedom - translation rotation or a combination. . The device serves as an intuitive man-machine interface. The predecessor of the space mouse was the DLR controller ball. Space mouse has its origins in the late seventies when the DLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment) started research in its robotics and system dynamics division on devices with six degrees of freedom (6 dof) for controlling robot grippers in Cartesian space. The basic principle behind its construction is mechatronics engineering and the multisensory concept. The space mouse has different modes of operation in which it can also be used as a two-dimensional mouse. Space mouse opens a new age for man-machine communication. This device is based on the technology used to control the first robot in space and has been adapted for a wide range of tasks including mechanical design, real time video animation and visual simulation. It has become a standard input device for interactive motion control of threedimensional graphic objects in up to six degrees of freedom. Space mouse works with standard serial mouse interface without an additional power supply. The ergonomic design allows the human hand to rest on it without fatigue. Thus flying an object in six degrees of freedom is done without any strain. A space mouse is a device similar to a joystick in purpose, but it also provides movement control with six degrees of freedom. This block reads the status of the space mouse and provides some commonly used transformations of the input. The Space Mouse Input block supports current models of 3D navigation devices manufactured by 3Dconnexion. The basic principle behind its construction is mechatronics engineering and the multisensory concept.[1]

1.2 History
The predecessor of the space mouse was the DLR controller ball. Space mouse has its origins in the late seventies when the DLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment) started research in its robotics and system dynamics division on devices with six degrees of freedom (6 dof) for controlling robot grippers in Cartesian space. The basic principle behind its construction is mechatronics engineering and the multisensory concept. The space mouse has different modes of operation in which it can also be used as a two-dimensional mouse. The result of years of development for man-machine communication in aerospace and robotic applications the predecessor of the European Space Mouse (known in the US and Asia as Magellan) was the DLR control ball used to control the first robot in space remotely. It flew in NASAs Space Shuttle Columbia in 1993. In fact Magellan has its origins in the late seventies when the DLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment) started research in its robotics and system dynamics division on devices with six degrees of freedom (6 dof) for controlling robot grippers in Cartesian space. After lengthy experiments it turned out around 1981 that integrating a six-axis forcetorque sensor (three force three torque components) into a plastic hollow ball was the optimal solution. Such a ball registered the linear and rotational displacements as generated by the forces and torques of a human hand which were then transformed computationally into translational and rotational motions and speeds. The first force-torque sensor used was based on strain gauge technology. Wide commercial distribution was prevented by the high price of about $8000 per unit. It took until 1985 for the DLRs developer group to design a much cheaper optical measuring system based on six one-dimensional position detectors. The whole electronics including computational processing on a one-chip processor was already integrable into the ball by means of two small double-sided surface mount device boards. The manufacturing costs were reduced to below $1000 but the sales price still hovered in the area of $3000. Only a few hundred were sold. The original hopes of the developer group that license companies might be able to develop devices towards much lower manufacturing costs did not materialize. On the other hand with the passing of time other ball systems appeared on the market which differed in the type of measuring system. DLRs development group spun off a company called Space Control whose objectives were to redesign the control ball idea while retaining the optoelectronic measuring principle reducing manufacturing costs to a fraction of the previous amount so that it could approach the pricing level of high end PC

devices. The new manipulation device should be able to function as a conventional mouse and appear like one yet maintain its versatility in a real workstation environment. Ergonomically the mouse has a very flat and compact design allowing the palm of the hand to rest naturally on the device without fatigue leaving all the fingers free to interact with the mouse cap. Very slight pressure to push pull or twist the cap in any one or more of the six degrees of freedom is enough to move the object in the screen. Pulling the cap in the Z-direction corresponds to the zooming function pushing it distances the object relative to the viewer. Moving the cap in the X or Y directions drags the object horizontally and vertically on the screen. Twisting the cap over one of the main axes or any combination of them rotates the object over the corresponding axis on the screen. Within seconds of using the device the interaction with the cap becomes intuitive. This means that the user handles the object on the screen as if he were holding it in his own left hand observing or guiding it with high precision and helping the right hand to undertake the correct constructive actions on specific points lines or surfaces simply by unconsciously bringing to the front the appropriate perspective view of any necessary detail of the object. And with the integration of nine additional key buttons any macro function can be mapped onto one of the keys thus allowing the user most frequently used functions to be called by a slight finger touch from the left hand. Now the European Space Mouse is becoming something of a standard input device for interactive motion control of 3D graphic objects in the Catia working environment and for many other applications. There are over 120 installations in Europe and US licensee Logitech aims to make it the world standard for 3 graphics interfaces. Silicon Graphics has integrated the interface driver into its new operating system and other leading CAD systems such as Pro/Engineer Ideas Solidworks and Cadds5 have dedicated Magellan drivers. Place your fingers gently on the controller's cap. The cap senses pressure you apply to it - pushes, pulls and twists - and uses that information to correspondingly move your model, camera or eye point on the screen. Pull up or push down to move your model, camera or eye point up or down. Push left or right to move your model left or right. Pull towards you or push away to move your model nearer or farther away. Orient your model on the screen by simply twisting in any direction to rotate it around the X, Y or Z axis (pitch, roll and yaw). You will quickly be able to combine all movements and control your 3D models with six degrees of freedom. The amount of pressure you apply controls speed of movement. A light touch moves your models slowly and accurately; just increase

pressure to increase speed. It will be like holding your model in your hand - interacting in 3D as you do in the real world. The ergonomic design allows the human hand to rest on it without fatigue. Thus flying an object in six degrees of freedom is done without any strain. This means that the user handles the object on the scren as if he were holding it in his own left hand observing or guiding it with high precision and helping the right hand to undertake the correct constructive actions on specific points lines or surfaces simply by unconsciously bringing to the front the appropriate perspective view of any necessary detail of the object.
[2]

Fig 1.1 Space Mouse

CHAPTER 2 HOW DOES A COMPUTER MOUSE WORKS & 3D USER INTERFACE

Mice first broke onto the public stage with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984, and since then they have helped to completely redefine the way we use computers. Every day of our computing life, you reach out for your mouse whenever you want to move your cursor or activate something. Your mouse senses your motion and your clicks and sends them to the computer so it can respond appropriately.

2.1 Inside a Mouse

The main goal of any mouse is to translate the motion of your hand into signals that the computer can use. Almost all mice today do the translation using five components:

Fig. 2.1 The guts of a mouse 1. A ball inside the mouse touches the desktop and rolls when the mouse moves. 2. Two rollers inside the mouse touch the ball. One of the rollers is oriented so that it detects motion in the X direction, and the other is oriented 90 degrees to the first roller so it detects motion in the Y direction. 3. When the ball rotates, one or both of these rollers rotate as well. The Fig. 3.3 shows the two white rollers on this mouse. 4. The rollers each connect to a shaft, and the shaft spins a disk with holes in it. When roller rolls, its shaft and disk spin. The Fig. 3.4 shows the disk.

Fig. 2.2 The exposed portion of the ball touches the desktop

Fig. 2.3 The rollers that touch the ball and detect X and Y motion

Fig. 2.4 A typical optical encoding disk 5. On either side of the disk there is an infrared LED and an infrared sensor. The holes in the disk break the beam of light coming from the LED so that the infrared sensor sees pulses of light.

Fig. 2.5 A close-up of one of the optical encoders that track mouse motion: There is an infrared LED (clear) on one side of the disk and an infrared sensor (red) on the other. The rate of the pulsing is directly related to the speed of the mouse and the distance it travels. 6. An on-board processor chip reads the pulses from the infrared sensors and turns them into binary data that the computer can understand. The chip sends the binary data to the computer through the mouse's cord.

Fig. 2.6 The small processor In this optomechanical arrangement, the disk moves mechanically, and an optical system counts pulses of light. Each encoder disk has two infrared LEDs and two infrared sensors, one on each side of the disk (so there are four LED/sensor pairs inside a mouse). This arrangement allows the processor to detect the disk's direction of rotation. There is a piece of plastic with a small, precisely located hole that sits between the encoder disk and each infrared sensor. This piece of plastic provides a window through which the infrared sensor can "see." The window on one side of the disk is located slightly higher than it is on the other -- one-half the height of one of the holes in the encoder disk, to be exact. That difference causes the two infrared sensors to see pulses of light at slightly different times. There are times when one of the sensors will see a pulse of light when the other does not, and vice versa. [1]

Fig. 2.7 Conventional computer mouse

2.2 3D User Interface

For a typical computer display, three-dimensional is a misnomertheir displays are twodimensional. Three-dimensional images are projected on them in two dimensions. Since this technique has been in use for many years, the recent use of the term threedimensional must be considered a declaration by equipment marketers that the speed of three dimension to two dimension projection is adequate to use in standard graphical user interfaces. Three-dimensional graphical user interfaces are common in

science fiction literature and movies, such as in Jurassic Park, which features Silicon Graphics' three-dimensional file manager, "File system navigator", an actual file manager that never got much widespread use as the user interface for a Unix computer. In science fiction, three-dimensional user interfaces are often immersible environments like William Gibson's Cyberspace or Neal Stephenson's Metaverse. Three-dimensional graphics are currently mostly used in computer games, art and computer-aided design (CAD). There have been several attempts at making threedimensional desktop environments like sun's Project Looking Glass or SphereXP from Sphere Inc.

Fig. 2.8 3D Interface A three-dimensional computing environment could possibly be used for collaborative work. For example, scientists could study three-dimensional models of molecules in a virtual reality environment, or engineers could work on assembling a threedimensional model of an airplane. This is a goal of the Croquet project and Project Looking Glass by Java. The use of three-dimensional graphics has become increasingly common in mainstream operating systems, but mainly been confined to creating attractive interfaceseye candyrather than for functional purposes only possible using three dimensions. For example, user switching is represented by rotating a cube whose faces are each user's workspace, and window management is represented in the form of Expos on Mac OS X, or via a Rolodex-style flipping mechanism in Windows Vista. In both cases, the operating system transforms windows on-the-fly while continuing to update the content of those windows workspace, and window management is represented in the form of Expos on Mac OS X, or via a Rolodex-style flipping mechanism in Windows Vista. In both cases, the operating system transforms windows on-the-fly while

continuing to update the content of those windows. Interfaces for the X Window System have also implemented advanced three-dimensional user interfaces through compositing window managers such as Beryl and Compiz using the AIGLX or XGL architectures, allowing for the usage of OpenGL to animate the user's interactions with the desktop. Another branch in the three-dimensional desktop environment is the three-dimensional graphical user interfaces that take the desktop metaphor a step further, like the BumpTop, where a user can manipulate documents and windows as if they were "real world" documents, with realistic movement and physics. With the current pace on three-dimensional and related hardware evolution, projects such these may reach an operational level soon. The GUI was developed at Xerox PARC in the late seventies for the Star system. It was first successfully commercialised by Apple with the Macintosh computer in the early eighties and has since become an integral part of every modern operating system for personal computers and graphics workstations. One reason for this growth is productivity: a number of studies have shown GUIs, with their direct manipulation style of interaction, enhance productivity. Another reason is subjective preference: people express a preference for GUI interfaces. Coupled with the rise of the GUI has been a general elevation of the importance of the user interface, which is now recognised as a key, and sometimes central, component of an interactive product or environment. Today's GUI depended on declining hardware prices to make it affordable at the lowend of the computer market -- personal computers. The same trend, a doubling of performance approximately every 18 months to two years (widely known as Moore's Law), now means personal computers are capable of performing interactive 3D graphics. In tandem with improving hardware performance, graphics libraries such as OpenGL which were previously available only on workstations have now become available for personal computers. We believe that 3D GUIs -- graphical user interfaces which utilise 3D graphics -- offer significant potential for improvement over today's 2tex2html_wrap_inline179D GUIs, and furthermore, that it is now, or very shortly will be, possible to run such interfaces on personal computers. In this paper, we discuss elements of a prototype 3D GUI we are developing and discuss some early feedback from usability tests.

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CHAPTER 3 MECHATRONICS

3.1 What is Mechatronics Engineering?

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, control engineering, and systems design engineering in order to design and manufacture useful products. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of engineering, that is to say it rejects splitting engineering into separate disciplines. Originally, mechatronics just included the combination between mechanics and electronics hence the word is only a portmanteau of mechanics and electronics. Mechatronics is concerned with the design automation and operational performance of electromechanical systems. Mechatronics engineering is nothing new; it is simply the applications of latest techniques in precision mechanical engineering, electronic and computer control, computing systems and sensor and actuator technology to design improved products and processes. The basic idea of Mechatronics engineering is to apply innovative controls to extract new level of performance from a mechanical device. It means using modem cost effective technology to improve product and process performance, adaptability and flexibility. Mechatronics covers a wide range of application areas including consumer product design, instrumentation, manufacturing methods, computer integration and process and device control. A typical Mechatronic system picks up signals processes them and generates forces and motion as an output. In effect mechanical systems are extended and integrated with sensors (to know where things are), microprocessors (to work out what to do), and controllers (to perform the required actions).[11] The word Mechatronics came up describing this fact of having technical systems operating mechanically with respect to some kernel functions but with more or less electronics supporting the mechanical parts decisively. Thus we can say that Mechatronics is a blending of Mechanical engineering, Electronics engineering and

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Computing. These three disciplines are linked together with knowledge of management, manufacturing and marketing. Mechatronics is centred on mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering, molecular engineering (from nanochemistry and biology), and optical engineering, which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems. The portmanteau "mechatronics" was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. An industrial robot is a prime example of a mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanics, and computing to do its day-to-day jobs. Engineering cybernetics deals with the question of control engineering of mechatronic systems. It is used to control or regulate such a system (see control theory).

Fig. 3.1 Mechatronics Through collaboration, the mechatronic modules perform the production goals and inherit flexible and agile manufacturing properties in the production scheme. Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to control architecture. The most known architectures involve hierarchy, polyarchy, heterarchy, and hybrid. The methods for achieving a technical effect are

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described by control algorithms, which might or might not utilize formal methods in their design. Hybrid systems important to mechatronics include production systems, synergy drives, planetary exploration rovers, automotive subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems and spin-assist, and every-day equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, and CD players. For most mechatronic systems, the main issue is no more how to implement a control system, but how to implement actuators and what is the energy source. Within the mechatronic field, mainly two technologies are used to produce the movement: the piezo-electric actuators and motors, or the electromagnetic actuators and motors. Maybe the most famous mechatronics systems are the well-known camera autofocus system or camera anti-shake systems. Concerning the energy sources, most of the applications use batteries. But a new trend is arriving energy from thermal variation, and so on.[1] and is the energy harvesting, allowing transforming into electricity mechanical energy from shock, vibration, or thermal

3.2 What do Mechatronics engineers do?

A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. Mechatronics is centered on mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering, molecular engineering (from nanochemistry and biology), and optical engineering, which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems. The portmanteau "mechatronic" was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. An industrial robot is a prime example of a mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanical , and computing to do its day-to-day jobs. Mechatronics design covers a wide variety of applications from the physical integration and miniaturization of electronic controllers with mechanical systems to th control of hydraulically powered robots in manufacturing and assembling factories. Computer disk drives are one example of the successful application of Mechatronics engineering as they are required to provide very fast access precise positioning and robustness against various disturbances. An intelligent window shade that opens and closes according to the amount of sun exposure is another example of a Mechatronics application. Mechatronics engineering may be involved in the design of equipments and robots for under water

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or mining exploration as an alternative to using human beings where this may be dangerous. The portmanteau "mechatronic" was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. In fact Mechatronics engineers can be found working in a range of industries and project areas including:[1] Design of data collection, instrumentation and computerized machine tools. Intelligent product design for example smart cars and automation for household transportation and industrial application. Design of self-diagnostic machines, which fix problems on their own. Medical devices such as life supporting systems, scanners and DNA sequencing automation. Robotics and space exploration equipments. Smart domestic consumer goods Computer peripherals. Security systems.

3.3 Mechatronic goals

3.3.1 Multisensory Concept The aim was to design a new generation of multi-sensory lightweight robots. The new sensor and actuator generation does not only show up a high degree of electronic and processor integration but also fully modular hardware and software structures. Analog conditioning, power supply and digital pre-processing are typical subsystems modules of this kind. The 20khz lines connecting all sensor and actuator systems in a galvanically decoupled way and high speed optical serial data bus (SERCOS) are the typical examples of multi-sensory and multi actuator concept for the new generation robot envisioned. The main sensory developments finished with these criteria have been in the last years: optically measuring force-torque-sensor for assembly operations. In a more compact form these sensory systems were integrated inside plastic hollow balls, thus generating 6-degree of freedom hand controllers (the DLR control balls). The SPACEMOUSE is the most recent product based on these ideas.
Stiff strain-gauge based 6 component force-torque-sensor systems. Miniaturized triangulation based laser range finders.

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 Integrated inductive joint-torque-sensor for light-weight-robot.

In order to demonstrate the multi-sensory design concept, these types of sensors have been integrated into the multi-sensory DLR-gripper, which contains 15 sensory components and to our knowledge it is the most complex robot gripper built so far (more than 1000 miniaturized electronic and about 400 mechanical components). It has become a central element of the ROTEX space robot experiment. [1] 3.3.2 Applications of Mechatronics Engineering [1] Machine vision Automation and robotics Servo-mechanics Sensing and control systems Automotive engineering, automotive equipment in the design of subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems Computer-machine controls, such as computer driven machines like IE CNC milling machines Expert systems Industrial goods Consumer products Mechatronics systems
Medical mechatronics, medical imaging systems

Structural dynamic systems Transportation and vehicular systems

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CHAPTER 4 SPACE MOUSE

Space mouse is developed by the DLR (Deutsches Zenturum far Luft-und Raumfahrt) institute of robotics and mechatronics.

4.1 Why 3D motion?

In every area of technology, one can find automata and systems controllable up to six degrees of freedom- three translational and three rotational. Industrial robots made up the most prominent category needing six degrees of freedom by maneuvering six joints to reach any point in their working space with a desired orientation. Even broader there have been a dramatic explosion in the growth of 3D computer graphics. Already in the early eighties, the first wire frame models of volume objects could move smoothly and interactively using so called knob-boxes on the fastest graphics machines available. A separate button controlled each of the six degrees of freedom. Next, graphics systems on the market allowed manipulation of shaded volume models smoothly, i.e. rotate, zoom and shift them and thus look at them from any viewing angle and position. The scenes become more and more complex; e.g. with a "reality engine" the mirror effects on volume car bodies are updated several times per second - a task that needed hours on main frame computers a couple of years ago. Parallel to the rapid graphics development, we observed a clear trend in the field of mechanical design towards constructing and modeling new parts in a 3D environment and transferring the resulting programs to NC machines. The machines are able to work in 5 or 6 degrees of freedom (dof). Thus, it is no surprise that in the last few years, there are increasing demands for comfortable 3D control and manipulation devices for these kinds of systems. Despite breathtaking advancements in digital technology it turned out that digital man- machine interfaces like keyboards are not well suited for people to use as our sensomotory reactions and behaviors are and will remain analogous forever.

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Users control three-dimensional movement by maneuvering SPACE MOUSE "Classic" spring-mounted cap. Slight finger pressure on the cap will control an object in up to 6 degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll, and yaw movement) simultaneously. The SPACE MOUSE "Classic" 3D Motion Controller is available for both UNIX and PC platforms to be used with industry standard CAD/CAM, CAE applications such as CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS or AutoCAD. Features:
Unprecedented ease of use for manipulating objects in 3D applications. Calibration- and drift free sensor technology for high precision and unequaled

reliability.
Nine programmable buttons to customize user's preferences for motion control. Finger operation for maximum precision and performance. Certified by all major suppliers of CAD/CAM, CAE and visual simulation

products . Benefits:
In CAD/CAM, CAE and visual simulation applications. The 3D Motion Controller is used in conjunction with the normal mouse. As

the user positions the 3D object with Magellan & trade, the necessity of going back and forth to a menu is eliminated. Thus, drawing times can be reduced by 2030%.
Increasing overall productivity. Other benefits include an improved design comprehension and earlier detection of

design errors.
Contributing to faster time to market and cost savings in the design process.

SpaceMouse Plus is the award-winning product in the line of professional 3D motion controllers for industrial design and visual simulation applications. It provides intuitive and precise interactive motion control of three-dimensional graphic objects in up to six degrees of freedom simultaneously. This professional input device dramatically increases productivity, improves object comprehension and helps detect design errors earlier. Spacemouse Plus A user-friendly, soft coated cap (electrostatic,

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ionised method of coating provides a better grip) with a distinctive grip area for thumb, forefinger and middle finger supports virtually every single cap movement with the uniquely soft, pressure-sensitive sensor.

4.2 Degree of freedom

In mechanics degrees of freedom (DOF) is the number of parameters that define the configuration of a mechanical system. The degrees of freedom of a body is the number of independent parameters that define the displacement and deformation of the body. This is a fundamental concept relating to systems of moving bodies in mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, robotics, and structural engineering. The position of a single car (engine) moving along a track has one degree of freedom, because the position of the car is defined by the distance along the track. A train of rigid cars connected by hinges to an engine still has only one degree of freedom because the positions of the cars behind the engine are constrained by the shape of the track. An automobile can be considered to be a rigid body traveling on a plane (a flat, twodimensional space). This body has three independent degrees of freedom consisting of two components of translation and one angle of rotation. Skidding or drifting is a good example of an automobile's three independent degrees of freedom. The position of rigid body in space is defined by three components of translation and three components of rotation, which means that it has six degrees of freedom.

Fig.4.1 Degree of freedom The position of a n-dimensional rigid body is defined by the rigid transformation, [T]=[A, d], where d is an n-dimensional translation and A is an nxn rotation matrix, which has n translational degrees of freedom and n(n + 1)/2 rotational degrees of freedom. The

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number of rotational degrees of freedom comes from the dimension of the rotation group SO(n). A non-rigid or deformable body may be thought of as a collection of many minute particles (infinite number of DOFs); this is often approximated by a finite DOF system. When motion involving large displacements is the main objective of study (e.g. for analyzing the motion of satellites), a deformable body may be approximated as a rigid body (or even a particle) in order to simplify the analysis. The motion of a ship at sea has the six degrees of freedom of a rigid body, which described as: Translation: 1. Moving up and down (heaving) 2. Moving left and right (swaying) 3. Moving forward and backward (surging) Rotation: 1. Tilting forward and backward (pitching) 2. Turning left and right (yawing) 3. Tilting side to side (rolling) As defined above one can also get degree of freedom using minimum number of coordinates required to specify a position.Applying it: 1.For a single particle we need 2 coordinates in 2-D plane to specify it's position and 3 coordinates in 3-D plane.Thus it's degree of freedom in 3-D plane is 3. 2.For a body consisting of 2 particles(ex.diatomic molecule) in 3-D plane with constant distance between them(let's say d) we can show it's degree of freedom to be 5. A system with several bodies would have a combined DOF that is the sum of the DOFs of the bodies, less the internal constraints they may have on relative motion. A mechanism or linkage containing a number of connected rigid bodies may have more than the degrees of freedom for a single rigid body. Here the term degrees of freedom is used to describe the number of parameters needed to specify the spatial pose of a linkage. You can use your own arm to get an idea of the degrees of freedom that a robot arm might have. Extend your arm straight out toward the horizon. Extend your index so it is pointing. Keeping your arm straight, move it from the shoulder. You can move in three

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ways. Up-and-down movement is called pitch. Movement to the right and left is called yaw. You can also rotate your whole arm as if you were using it as a screwdriver. This is called roll. Your shoulder has three degrees of freedom; pitch, yaw, and roll.[3]

Fig. 4.2 Degree of freedom of hand Now move your arm from the elbow only. This is rather hard to do without also moving your shoulder. Holding your shoulder in the same position constantly, you will see that your elbow joint has the equivalent of pitch in your shoulder joint. But that is all. Your elbow, therefore, has one degree of freedom. Extend your arm toward horizon again. Now move only your wrist. Try to keep the arm above the wrist straight and motionless. Your wrist can bend up and down, side to side, and it can also twist a little. Your lower arm has the same three degrees of freedom that your shoulder has (Most of the roll takes place all along your arm below the elbow). In total, your arm has seven degrees of freedom: three in the shoulder, one in the elbow, and three in the arm below the elbow. Three degrees of freedom are sufficient to

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bring the end of a robot arm to any point within its workspace, or work envelope, in three dimensions. A specific type of linkage is the open kinematic chain, where a set of rigid links are connected at joints; a joint may provide one DOF (hinge/sliding), or two (cylindrical). Such chains occur commonly in robotics, biomechanics, and for satellites and other space structures. A human arm is considered to have seven DOFs. A shoulder gives pitch, yaw, and roll, an elbow allows for pitch and roll, and a wrist allows for pitch and yaw. Only 3 of those movements would be necessary to move the hand to any point in space, but people would lack the ability to grasp things from different angles or directions. A robot (or object) that has mechanisms to control all 6 physical DOF is said to be holonomic. An object with fewer controllable DOFs than total DOFs is said to be nonholonomic, and an object with more controllable DOFs than total DOFs (such as the human arm) is said to be redundant. In mobile robotics, a car-like robot can reach any position and orientation in 2-D space, so it needs 3 DOFs to describe its pose, but at any point, you can move it only by a forward motion and a steering angle. So it has two control DOFs and three representational DOFs; i.e. it is non-holonomic. A fixed-wing aircraft, with 34 control DOFs (forward motion, roll, pitch, and to a limited extent, yaw) in a 3-D space, is also non-holonomic, as it cannot move directly up/down or left/right. Table 4.1: SPACE MOUSE "Classic" - Product Specifications[1] Operating Modes Translation Mode Rotation Mode Dominant Mode Sensitivity Buttons Interface type Baud Rate Connector Power Supply Dimensions Warranty 3D interface (six degrees of freedom) Only the translation coordinates (X, Y, X) are reported Only the rotation coordinates (A, B, C) are reported Only the coordinate with the greatest magnitude is reported Adjustable (real 600 speed levels resolution) 9, programmable RS232C Serial 9600 baud DSUB 9 Female via serial port signals L x W x H: 163 x 112 x 40mm 3 Years

Table 4.2: SPACE MOUSE "Plus" - Product Specifications[1]

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Operating Modes Translation Mode Rotation Mode Dominant Mode Sensitivity Buttons Interface type Baud Rate Connector Power Supply Dimensions Warranty

3D interface (six degrees of freedom) Only the translation coordinates (X, Y, X) are reported Only the rotation coordinates (A, B, C) are reported Only the coordinate with the greatest magnitude is reported Adjustable (real 600 speed levels resolution) 11, programmable RS232C Serial 9600 baud DSUB 9 Female via serial port signals L x W x H: 188 x 120 x 40mm 3 Years

Fig.4.3 Spacemouse Plus

4.3 DSUB
The D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smaller connectors used on computer systems. A D-sub contains two or more parallel rows of pins or sockets usually surrounded by a D-shaped metal shield that provides mechanical support, ensures correct orientation, and may screen against electromagnetic interference. The part containing pin contacts is called the male connector or plug, while that containing socket contacts is called the female

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connector or socket. The socket's shield fits tightly inside the plug's shield. The plug also may have screws on either side of the shield that fasten into holes in the socket (although sometimes the screws are on the socket: see the DE9 pictured to the left). When screened cables are used, the shields are connected to the overall screens of the cables. This creates an electrically continuous screen covering the whole cable and connector system. [5]

Fig. 4.4 DA, DB, DC, DD and DE size connectors

4.4 RS-232
In telecommunications, RS-232 (Recommended Standard 232) is the traditional name for a series of standards for serial binary single-ended data and control signals connecting between a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and a DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment). It is commonly used in computer serial ports. The standard defines the electrical characteristics and timing of signals, the meaning of signals, and the physical size and pin out of connectors. The current version of the standard is TIA-232-F Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange, issued in 1997. An RS-232 port was once a standard feature of a personal computer for connections to modems, printers, mice, data storage, un-interruptible power supplies, and other peripheral devices. However, the limited transmission speed, relatively large voltage swing, and large standard connectors motivated development of the universal serial bus which has displaced RS-232 from most of its peripheral interface roles. Many modern personal computers have no RS-232 ports and must use an external converter to connect to older peripherals. Some RS-232 devices are still found especially in industrial machines or scientific instruments. [5]

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4.5 BAUD rate

In telecommunications and electronics, baud (/bd/, unit symbol "Bd") is synonymous to symbols per second or pulses per second. It is the unit of symbol rate, also known as baud rate or modulation rate; the number of distinct symbol changes (signaling events) made to the transmission medium per second in a digitally modulated signal or a line code. The baud rate is related to but should not be confused with gross bit rate expressed in bit/s. A simple example: A baud rate of 1 kBd = 1,000 Bd is synonymous to a symbol rate of 1,000 symbols per second. In case of a modem, this corresponds to 1,000 tones per second, and in case of a line code, this corresponds to 1,000 pulses per second. The symbol duration time is 1/1,000 second = 1 millisecond. Of course, the common term baud rate is a misnomer since by definition baud is pulses or switches per second and baud rate would be pulses or switches per second per second or acceleration. The symbol duration time, also known as unit interval, can be directly measured as the time between transitions by looking into an eye diagram of an oscilloscope. The symbol duration time Ts can be calculated as: Ts = 1 / fs, where fs is the symbol rate. The baud unit is named after mile Baudot, the inventor of the Baudot code for telegraphy, and is represented as SI units. That is, the first letter of its symbol is uppercase (Bd), but when the unit is spelled out, it should be written in lowercase (baud) except when it begins a sentence. Dedicated edges improve your emotional attachment to the graphics object and ensure precise object manipulation in 3D space. The V-shaped cap particularly supports the "zoom" command, the most commonly used positioning command in 3D design applications. Optimised overall dimensions and generous device weight, produce unsurpassed stability for hassle-free computing experience.In CAD/CAM, CAE and visual simulation applications, the 3D Motion Controller is used in conjunction with the normal mouse. As the user positions the 3D object with SpaceMouse, the necessity of going back and forth to a menu is eliminated. Thus, drawing times can be reduced by 20-30%, increasing overall productivity. Other benefits include an improved design comprehension and earlier detection of design

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errors, contributing to faster time to market and cost savings in the design process. This premium 3D motion controller features 11 programmable map keys (plus a Quicktip button) that let you easily customize the device's sensitivity settings and motion controls. You also may assign application-specific tasks to the buttons. The inclined keypad has nine buttons with two additional buttons on each side of the cap for easy access. Its patented high-tech core, an opto-electronic and contact-less measuring system provides six degrees of freedom motion control (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll and yaw) without the need for calibration.

4.6 DLR control ball, Magellan's predecessor

At the end of the seventies, the DLR (German Aerospace Research Center) institute for robotics and system dynamics started research on devices for the 6-dof control of robot grippers .in Cartesian space. After lengthy experiments it turned out around 1981 that integrating a six axis force torque sensor (3 force, 3 torque components) into a plastic hollow ball was the optimal solution. Such a ball registered the linear and rotationaldisplacements as generated by the forces/ torques of a human hand, which were then computationally transformed into translational / rotational motion speeds. [1] 4.6.1 Force Torque sensor Force torque sensors basically measure the linear and rotational displacement of the ball containing the sensor arrangement. Description of the individual components:

Transducer Cable: For our Nano and Mini transducer models, the transducer cable is integral to the transducer. For other transducers the transducer cable is attached with a connector. The transducer cable is a long-life flexible cable specially designed for noise immunity. This durable cable protects the transducer signals from electrical fields and mechanical stress.

Interface Board: The interface board electronics receive transducer strain gauge signals and convert them to readable DAQ card signals using noise immunity technology. Each interface board is calibrated to work with a specific transducer. The interface board is mounted in the Gamma and larger transducer models and is located in the Interface Power Supply Box (IFPS) for the Nano and Mini transducer

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models. Output is uncalibrated. ATI software must be used to produce calibrated output.

Power Supply: The power supply converts readily available five volt (275mA) power from the PC through the DAQ card connection to clean power used by the transducer. The power supply is mounted in a small box that connects to the transducer cable on one end and to the data acquisition card on the other. When not mounted on the transducer, the interface board electronics are included with the power supply.

Power Supply Cable: The power supply cable conducts five volt power to the power supply box or interface power supply box and transmits the transducer signals to the data acquisition card. The cable has a flexible long-life design with special noise immunity features.

Data Acquisition (DAQ) Card: The data acquisition card plugs into your PC, receives the analog transducer signals via the power supply cable and (with ATI software on your computer) converts them into data to be used by computer programs. Our data acquisition cards are available in a wide variety of configurations and supply power to the F/T system. In many cases, you can use an existing data acquisition card. The first force torque sensor used was based upon strain gauge technology,

integrated into a plastic hollow ball. DLR had the basic concept centre of a hollow ball handle approximately coinciding with the measuring centre of an integrated 6 dof force / torque sensor patented in Europe and US. From 1982-1985, the first prototype applications showed that DLR's control ball was not only excellently suited as a control device for robots, but also for the first 3D-graphics system that came onto the market at that time. Wide commercial distribution was prevented by the high sales price of about $8,000 per unit. It took until 1985 for the DLR's developer group to succeed in designing a much cheaper optical measuring system.

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Fig. 4.5 DLR control ball 4.6.2 Basic principle The new system used 6 one-dimensional position detectors. This system received a worldwide patent. The basic principle is as follows. The measuring system consists of an inner and an outer part. The measuring arrangement in the inner ring is composed of the LED, a slit and perpendicular to the slit on the opposite side of the ring a linear position sensitive detector (PSD). The slit / LED combination is mobile against the remaining system. Six such systems (rotated by 60 degrees each) are mounted in a plane, whereby the slits alternatively are vertical and parallel to the plane. The ring with PSD's is fixed inside the outer part and connected via springs with the LED-slit-basis. The springs bring the inner part back to a neutral position when no forces / torque are exerted: There is a particularly simple and unique. This measuring system is drift-free and not subject to aging effects. The whole electronics including computational processing on a one-chipprocessor was already integrable into the ball by means of two small double sided surface mount device (SMD) boards, the manufacturing costs were reduced to below $1,000, but the sales price still hovered in the area of $3,000. The original hopes of the developers group that the license companies might be able to redevelop devices towards much lower manufacturing costs did not materialize. On the other hand, with passing of time, other technologically comparable ball systems appeared on the market especially in USA. They differed only in the type of measuring system. The present invention relates to an optoelectronic array or system housed in a plastic sphere by means of which six displacement components can be simultaneously input. These displacements consist, in a Cartesian system of coordinates, of displacements in the X, Y and Z direction and regular rotations Dx, Dy, and Dz around the three axis. With the

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use of this array or system, the programing of robotic movements or, generally formulated, manipulator movements are quite easily, conveniently and quickly effected. In 3D graphic applications, on-screen projections may also be very rapidly shifted, rotated or zoomed in on. In order to measure, by means of the array, six different components, specifically, three displacements in the direction of X, Y and Z axis of a Cartesian system of coordinates and three angular rotations around these three axes, the LED with their corresponding slit diaphragms are moveable with respect to the PSD. These PSD are preferably arrayed on the inside of a cylindrical ring which is firmly attached to the inside of plastic sphere. Between the ring bearing the PSD and the mounting device supporting at its center the LED, provision is made for spring element, preferably in the form of coiled springs, which are secured for example by screw bolts in such a way that the ring bearing the PSD may move relative to the stationary mounting device with its six LED devices and associated slit diaphragms in such a way that ring always returns to its original position. The objective is accomplished by means of an optoelectronic array or system housed in a plastic sphere and having at least six light emitting devices equally displaced angularly from each other and arrayed in a surface plane, together with correspondingly aligned slit diaphragms allocated thereto. In addition, opposite each of the LED a linear 1D position sensitive detector is so displaced that its sensor axis is aligned vertically relative to slit direction of the respective corresponding slit diaphragm. Around 1990, terms like cyberspace and virtual reality became popular. However, the effort required to steer oneself around in a virtual world using helmet and glove tires one out quickly. Movements were measured by electromagnetic or ultrasonic means, with the human head having problems in controlling translational speeds. The ring with PSD's is fixed inside the outer part and connected via springs with the LED-slit-basis. In addition, moving the hand around in free space leads to fairly fast fatigue. Thus a redesign of the ball idea seemed urgent. In order to measure, by means of the array, six different components, specifically, three displacements in the direction of X, Y and Z axis of a Cartesian system of coordinates and three angular rotations around these three axes, the LED with their corresponding slit diaphragms are moveable with respect to the PSD. These PSD are preferably arrayed on the inside of a cylindrical ring which is firmly attached to the inside of plastic sphere.

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Fig. 4.6 Working of Space Mouse

4.6.3 Position Sensitive Device A Position Sensitive Device and/or Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) is an optical position sensor (OPS), that can measure a position of a light spot in one or two-dimensions on a sensor surface. The technical term PSD was first used in a 1957 publication by J.T. Wallmark for lateral photoelectric effect used for local measurements. On a laminar semiconductor, a so-called PIN diode is exposed to a tiny spot of light. This exposure

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causes a change in local resistance and thus electron flow in four electrodes. From the currents Ia, Ib, Ic and Id in the electrodes, the location of the light spot is computed using the following equations.

and

Fig. 4.7 Design of PSD using PIN Diode The kx and ky are simple scaling factors, which permit transformation into coordinates. An advantage of this process is the continuous measurement of the light spot position with measuring rates up to over 100 kHz. The dependence of local measurement on form and size of the light spot as well as the nonlinear connection are a disadvantage that can be partly compensated by special electrode shapes. [9]

4.7 Magellan (the European Space mouse)

With the developments explained in the previous sections, DLR's development group started a transfer company, SPACE CONTROL and addressed a clear goal: To redesign the control ball idea with its unsurpassed optoelectronic measuring system and optimize it thus that to reduce manufacturing costs to a fraction of its previous amount and thus allow it to approach the pricing level of high quality PC mouse at least long-term.

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The new manipulation device would also be able to function as a conventional mouse and appear like one, yet maintain its versatility in a real workstation design environment. The result of an intense one-year's work was the European Space Mouse, in the USA it is especially in the European market place. But end of 93, DLR and SPACE CONTROL jointly approached LOGITECH because of their wide expertise with pointing devices for computers to market and sell Magellan in USA and Asia. The wear resistant and drift free optoelectronic, 6 component measuring system was optimized to place all the electronics, including the analogous signal processing, AT conversion, computational evaluation and power supply on only one side of a tiny SMD- board inside Magellan's handling cap. It only needs a few milliamperes of current supplied through the serial port of any PC or standard mouse interface. It does not need a dedicated power supply. The electronic circuitry using a lot of time multiplex technology was simplified by a factor of five, compared to the former control balls mentioned before. The unbelievably tedious mechanical optimization, where the simple adjustment of the PSD's with respect to the slits played a central role in its construction, finally led to 3 simple injection molding parts, namely the basic housing, a cap handle with the measuring system inside and the small nine button keyboard system. The housing, a punched steel plate provides Magellan with the necessary weight for stability any kind of metal cutting was avoided. The small board inside the cap (including a beeper) takes diverse mechanical functions as well. For example, it contains the automatically mountable springs as well as overload protection. The springs were optimized in the measuring system so that they no longer show hysteresis; nevertheless different stiffness of the cap are realizable by selection of appropriate springs. Ergonomically, Magellan was constructed as flat as can be so that the human hand may rest on it without fatigue. Slight pressures of the fingers on the cap of Magellan is sufficient for generating deflections in X, Y, and Z planes, thus shifting a cursor or flying a 3D graphics object transnationally through space. Slight twists of the cap cause rotational motions of a 3D graphics object around the corresponding axes. Pulling the cap in the Z direction corresponds to zooming function. Moving the cap in X or Y direction drags the horizontally and vertically respectively on the screen. Twisting the cap over one of the main axes or any combination of them rotates the object over the corresponding axis on the screen. The user can handle the object on the screen a he were holding it in his own left hand and helping the right hand to undertake

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the constructive actions on specific points lines or surfaces or simply by unconsciously bringing to the front of appropriate perspective view of any necessary detail of the object. With the integration of nine additional key buttons any macro functions can be mapped onto one of the keys thus allowing the user most frequent function to be called by a slight finger touch from the left hand. The device has special features like dominant mode. It uses those degrees of freedom in which the greatest magnitude is generated. So defined movements can be created. Connection to the computer is through a 3m cable (DB9 female) and platform adapter if necessary. Use of handshake signals (RTSSCTS) is recommended for the safe operation of the space mouse. Without these handshake signals loss of data may occur. Additional signal lines are provided to power the Magellan (DTS&RTS). Thus, no additional power supply is needed. Flying an object in 6dof is done intuitively without any strain. In a similar way, flying oneself through a virtual world is just fun. Touching the keys result in either the usual menu selection, mode selection or the pickup of 3D objects. Every day of your computing life, you reach out for the mouse whenever you want to move the cursor or activate something. The mouse senses your motion and your clicks and sends them to the computer so it can respond appropriately. An ordinary mouse detects motion in the X and Y plane and acts as a two dimensional controller. It is not well suited for people to use in a 3D graphics environment. Space Mouse is a professional 3D controller specifically designed for manipulating objects in a 3D environment. It permits the simultaneous control of all six degrees of freedom - translation rotation or a combination. . The device serves as an intuitivemanmachine interface. The predecessor of the space mouse was the DLR controller ball. Space mouse has its origins in the late seventies when the DLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment) started research in its robotics and system dynamics division on devices with six degrees of freedom (6 dof) for controlling robot grippers in Cartesian space. The basic behind its construction is mechatronics engineering and the multisensory concept. The space mouse has different modes of operation in which it can also be used as a twodimensional mouse. Magellan/Space Mouse Classic is used in conjunction with the normal mouse (or tablet). The user intuitively positions an object with Magellan/Space Mouse while working on that object using the mouse. Slight pressure of the fingers onto the cap is sufficient for

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generating small deflections of a 3D graphic object. This corresponds to the natural way of executing coordinated operations with both hands and supports intuitive creativity without interrupting the natural thought process. Additionally, the ergonomic design of a flat cap reduces stress in the hand and arm. Magellan/Space Mouse 3D Motion Controller translates your sense of touch into dynamic movement of objects within 3D space.

Fig. 4.8 How Space Mouse works Its patented high-tech core (license DLR), an optoelectronic and contactless measuring system provides 6 degrees of freedom motion control (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll and yaw) without the need for calibration. Magellan/Space Mouse technology has been optimized and miniaturized in such a way that it works with standard serial interfaces without any additional power supply. Magellan Space Mouse Classic is a space-proven, highly reliable professional product, manufactured according to the strictest quality standards of Logitech, the world Os leading manufacturer of control devices.

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CHAPTER 5 BENEFITS, LIMITATIONS & FUTURE ASPECTS

5.1 Benefits

As the user positions the 3D objects with the Magellan device the necessity of going back and forth to the menu is eliminated. Drawing times is reduced by 20%-30% increasing overall productivity.

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With the Magellan device improved design comprehension is possible and earlier detection of design errors contributing faster time to market and cost savings in the design process.

Any computer whose graphics power allows to update at least 5 frames per second of the designed scenery, and which has a standard RS232 interface, can make use of the full potential of Magellan space mouse.

In 3D applications Magellan is used in conjunction with a 2D mouse. The user positions an object with space mouse while working on the object using a mouse. We can consider it as a workman holding an object in his left hand and working on it with a tool in his right hand.

Now Magellan space mouse is becoming something for standard input device for interactive motion control of 3D graphics objects in its working environment and for many other applications.

5.2 Limitations

System based on any processor after Intel Pentium4 is required. 10 Megabytes free disk space is required for driver and plug-in installation (CDROM device required). USB 1.1 or greater (USB only) is required.

5.3 Features

Ease of use of manipulating objects in 3D applications. Calibration free sensor technology for high precision and unique

reliability.

Nine programmable buttons to customize users preference for

motion control

Fingertip operation for maximum precision and performance. Settings to adjust sensitivity and motion control to the users preference. Small form factor frees up the desk space. Double productivity of object manipulation in 3D applications.

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Natural hand position (resting on table) eliminates fatigue.

5.4 Future Aspects

Magellan's predecessor, DLR's control ball, was a key element of the first real robot in space, ROTEX- (3), which was launched in April 93 with space shuttle COLUMBIA inside a rack of the spacelab-D2. The robot was directly tele-operated by the astronauts using the control ball, the same way remotely controlled from ground (on-line and off line) implying "predictive" stereo graphics. As an example, the ground operator with one of the two balls or Magellans steered the robot's gripper in the graphics presimulation, while with the second device he was able to move the whole scenery around smoothly in 6 dot Predictive graphics simulation together with the above mentioned man machine interaction allowed for the compensation of overall signal delays up to seven seconds, the most spectacular accomplishment being the grasping of a floating object in space from the ground. Since then, ROTEX has often been declared as the first real "virtual reality" application. SPACE MOUSE "Plus" is the newest award-winning product in the line of professional 3D motion controllers for industrial design and visual simulation This applications. It provides intuitive and precise interactive motion control of threedimensional graphic objects in up to six degrees of freedom simultaneously. professional input device dramatically increases productivity, improves object

comprehension and helps detect design errors earlier. A new, user-friendly cap with a distinctive grip area for thumb, forefinger and middle finger supports virtually every single cap movement with the uniquely soft, pressure-sensitive sensor. Dedicated edges improve your emotional attachment to the graphics object and ensure precise object manipulation in 3D space. The V-shaped cap particularly supports the zoom command, the most commonly used positioning command in 3D design applications. Optimized overall dimensions and generous device weight, produce unsurpassed stability for hassle-free computing experience. This premium 3D motion controller features 11 programmable map keys that let you easily customize the devices sensitivity settings and motion controls. You also may assign application-specific tasks to the buttons. The inclined keypad has nine buttons with two additional buttons on each side of the cap for easy access. Its patented high-tech core, an opto-electronic and contact-less measuring system provides

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six degrees of freedom motion control (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll and yaw) without the need for calibration. 5.4.1 Visual Space Mouse In many areas of our daily life we are faced with rather complex tasks that have to be done in circumstances unfavorable for human beings. For example, heavy weights may have to be lifted or the environment may be dangerous and, therefore, the assistance of a machine is needed. Some of these tasks, on the other hand, also need the presence of a human, because the complexity of the task is beyond the capability that an independent robot system is able to handle. Therefore, there is a need for a robot system controlled by a human. A most intuitive controlling device would be a system that can be instructed by watching and imitating the human user, using the hand as the major controlling element. This would be a very comfortable interface that allows the user to move a robot system in the most natural way. This is called the visual space mouse. The system of the visual space mouse can be divided into two main parts: image processing and robot control. The role of image processing is to perform operations on a video signal, received by a video camera, to extract desired information out of the video signal. The role of robot control is to transform electronic commands into movements of the manipulator. A most intuitive controlling device would be a system that can beinstructed by watching and imitating the human user, using the hand as the major controlling element. This would be a very comfortable interface that allows the user to move a robot system in the most natural way. This is called the visual space mouse. The system of the visual space mouse can be divided into two main parts: image processing and robot control. The role of image processing is to perform operations on a video signal, received by a video camera, to extract desired information out of the video signal. The role of robot control is to transform electronic commands into movements of the manipulator. The purpose of this project was to develop a system that is able to control a robotic system by observing the human and directly converting hand gestures into movements of the manipulator.

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Fig. 5.1 Visual Space Mouse The hand serves as the primary controlling element to effect the actual motion and position of a robot gripper. For the observation of the user, one usual greyscale camera is used without any kind of calibration. The manipulator is a PUMA 560 robot with six degrees of freedom and a gripper. We use the image processing language VEIL for image processings. A special feature of VEIL is blobs. These are defined as a brighter region in the image plane within a darker environment. The hand is detected and traced with the help of blobs. This blob contains the characteristic values of the image of the hand. The values of the blob are then passed to the control part of the program to affect the actual position of the manipulator.

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CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION
The graphics simulation and manipulation of 3D volume objects and virtual worlds and their combination e.g. with real information as contained in TV images (multi-media) is not only meaningful for space technology, but will strongly change the whole world of manufacturing and construction technology, including other areas like urban development, chemistry, biology, and entertainment. For all these applications we believe there is no other man- machine interface technology comparable to Magellan in its simplicity and yet high precision. It is used for 3D manipulations in 6 dof, but at the same time may function as a conventional 2D mouse.

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REFERENCES
Websites: [1] http://seminarprojects.com/s/space-mouse [2] http://www.3dconnexion.com/history.html [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_freedom [4] http://www.dlr.de/rm/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3808/6234_read-8998/ [5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-subminiature [6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechatronics [7] http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA427920 [8] http://spacecontrol.de/index.php?id=25&L=2 [9] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_sensitive_device

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