Jun 10, 2008
It is now easier to add the sense of touch to virtual environments with X3D, Python or C++
SenseGraphics, the haptics software provider, announces the beta release of its latest version of haptics platform, H3DAPI 2.0. The open source haptics development platform will be officially released on 10 June 2008, in conjunction with EuroHaptics 2008 in Madrid, Spain.
H3DAPI has been used by the graphics and haptics community to create or add the simulation of touch to their applications. Built on the industry standards OpenGL and X3D, H3DAPI enables rapid haptics application development using X3D and Python alone. More major projects have been developed by extending H3DAPI capabilities with C++.
The improved H3DAPI 2.0 beta now uses SenseGraphics’ own haptics API, which grants users more freedom and control in haptics rendering. Users could now choose from more haptics renderers, including SensAble’s OpenHaptics, Chai3D, and H3D point and sphere-based renderers. Its modular design meant that users of the open source H3DAPI could easily extend the platform, whether it is adding their own rendering algorithms, force effects, or haptic surfaces. The latest version of H3DAPI also comes with more device support, including the range of haptic devices by SensAble, ForceDimension, Novint and MOOG FCS.
H3DAPI 2.0 is also bundled with CMake now to enable easy installation. H3DAPI runs on Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
H3DAPI 2.0 beta can be downloaded at www.H3D.org. The software is released under the GNU General Public License, with an option for commercial license.
