Mediators: Virtual Interfaces with Haptic Feedback

This paper presents an interface paradigm based on the con- cept of mediators: simple virtual entities that serve as interface to more complex environments. We present a prototype consisting of a Haptic Workstation with force-feedback on both arms and hands and an HMD. The system is used to manipulate virtual objects (mediators) that play the role of a virtual interface for driving a car situated in a remote and more complex virtual environment.