Multi-rate coupling of physical simulations for haptic interaction with deformable objects

Abstract

Real-time simulation of deformable objects involves many computational challenges to be solved, particularly in the context of haptic applications, where high update rates are necessary for obtaining a satisfying experience. The required performance can generally be achieved by introducing an intermediate layer responsible for the simulation of the small part of the surface being in contact with the fingers. In this paper, we present an algorithm controlling the run-time of the concurrent simulation threads. It uses information from previous simulation steps to estimate the time spent in the simulation operation considering also changes in the geometry of the intermediate layer. The introduction of such a local contact simulation introduces damping to the overall system. Its effect on the dynamics of the simulation system is experimentally analysed with an interaction test.