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SpaceGrips LEFT hand controller
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Virtual Reality users have long been frustrated with their input devices: the keyboard, the mice, then wearable glove devices. Now comfort, economy, and ease-of-use are available with the new SpaceGrips hand controllers. The VR user now has a comfortable and intuitive solution to their VR input problem. SpaceGrips were designed with input from experts in the field, to provide the next generation input device. Examining the human hand in its natural resting position, whether in the weightlessness of space or floating in an isolation tank, indicated the optimal position at which the hand and arm are most comfortable; its natural resting position. SpaceGrips are designed for all hand sizes from a young child to an adult. This one-size-fits-all design is one of the significant advantages over previous products. The shape easily houses the most popular tracking transducers used in the industry. The controller housings are manufactured using a state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. The manufacturing printer uses ABS extrusion that produces a lightweight, comfortable, and very durable structure. This technology also affords user customization without costly retooling.
New in Version 2!
Version 2 began shipping in April of 2006. The new design is manufactured using a 3D printer comprising extruded ABS plastic and is 70% lighter than the original material. Evolution of the design was funded in part by the US Army CERDEC, for their Battle Command System (BCS) of the future development. This latest evolution encompassed a variety of improvements including a more ergonomic shape and improved position of the actuators, finger grooves, and sensor housing.
Current development plans provide for a complete wireless VR input solution for the user--no more wires! Other areas of development are: improved actuators, tactile and audio feedback, and internal illumination.
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Comfort The users hand(s) and arm(s) are in their natural resting position. |
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Hygienic SpaceGrips non-porous surface can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild cleanser. |
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One-size-fits-all One controller set may be used by a variety of user hand sizes.f |
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Durability Manufactured using 3D printer technology comprised of ABS plastic to provide maximum impact tolerance, comfort, and customization. |
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Long Life Buttons are specified at over 2 million cycles and provide a tactile "click" feedback. Buttons project slightly above surface for easy location by a variety of hand sizes. |
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Modular SpaceGrips are manufactured in two pieces: the handle and the top "bulb." The bulb can be serviced or configured independently from the handle. Handle is two-piece design that allows installation or replacement of tracker without voiding the tracker manufacturer warranty. |
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Large Internal Cavity The housing was designed to easily accommodate all of the industry’s leading position transducers. The housing has enough room for more than one transducer. |
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USB Operability Communication to the host computer is serial (to accommodate legacy customers); a common and inexpensive (~$15) Serial-to-USB adapter is all that is need for USB connectivity. |
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Cost effective Your initial investment is much less than other input devices, and SpaceGrips do not need to be replaced every few hundred hours of use, saving thousands of dollars in the future. |
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Compact and Efficient SpaceGrips Interface Box is less than 3.75" x 2.5" x 1" and uses small mini-DIN connectors. The electronics draw less than 10mA. Hand controllers are hollow and therefore lightweight. |
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Backward Compatibility Glove Emulation mode can make SpaceGrips appear to your existing application like a pair of PinchGloves™. The four primary contacts, index finger through pinkie are passed to the host computer (see Protocol Definition for details). SpaceGrips have been verified with VRCO’s TrackD, Digital Artforms SmartScene and InDex, as well as others. |
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Programmability Microprocessor based interface can be reprogrammed with future enhancements and provide logging of events for later analysis. |
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Industrial Only need two axis of position and a couple buttons? Need to drive a forklift, bulldozer, or a wheelchair, where you don’t need an expensive six axis tracking system? No problem! We can install a small joystick or trackball in the thumb position and away you go! You can even have a retractable cord so when you let go the controllers snap back into their cradle. |
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Computer Input Don’t need tracker or joystick. Need to control something with only 4 or so inputs? Only need a few inputs: up, down, in, out? We can build a unit with buttons only. |
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Game controller. Kick back in you chair and have your controller comfortably lying in you hand, wherever it may be. |
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UAV/GAV Operations Intuitive and comfortable control for remote applications. |
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Material Customization Controllers may be constructed frommany different materials and colors to suit customer needs. |
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Internal Illuminator. Controllers can be fitted with programmable illuminator for low-light applications. |
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Active tactile feedback. User application can pass collision, or other data to SpaceGrips and the user will feel a tactile response. |
SpaceGrips with new Patriot system from Polhemus. Smallest and most economical
tracker solution available!
SpaceGrips with Polhemus Patriot™ system and StereoGraphics the new SynthaGram™
Glasses-free 3D™!
See SpaceGrips in action at Digital Artforms (select "Download Web Movie" on first page.) SpaceGrips in use with the innovative VR Modeling software InDex, created by Digital Artforms, a leader in Immersive modeling applications.
Use VRCO's TrackDŽ interface software with SpaceGrips.
Contact Info
LaserAid
Los Gatos, California, USA
408.353.9063
SpaceGrips is manufactured by LaserAid of Los Gatos, California, celebrating
over 18 years of quality products and service.
SpaceGrips form is
protected under US Design Patent # D510,352 S. Other patents pending.
SpaceGrips and
"Get A Grip On Reality" are registered trademarks of LaserAid,
Los Gatos, California, USA
LaserAid is a distributor of Ascension, Polhemus, and StereoGraphics products.
