Abstract: A method of creating a system for haptically and graphically rendering one or more scenes. The method includes generating one or more haptic targets for haptically rendering the scene as a virtual scene. The scene is haptically rendered as the virtual scene. The method also includes providing one or more graphics targets for graphically rendering the scene as a graphical scene, generating an initial data packet for the scene, and transmitting the initial data packet to the graphics target. The method also includes loading the initial data packet on the graphics target to create the graphical scene.

Abstract: A haptic reconfigurable dashboard system for controlling and monitoring vehicle subsystems is disclosed. The haptic dashboard system comprises (a) a computer for controlling the haptic reconfigurable dashboard system, (b) a virtual device panel for displaying a virtual control device or indicator, the virtual control device or indicator corresponding to one of the subsystems to be controlled or monitored, (c) a haptic device for manipulating the virtual control device or indicator displayed on the virtual device panel, and (d) a haptic feedback mechanism for providing a force effect to the haptic device when it manipulates the virtual control device or indicator. According to virtual controls being carried out in the dashboard system, the subsystems can be controlled or monitored through an interface between the dashboard system and the subsystems, and a user can feel a sense of touching or force through the haptic device while controlling or monitoring the vehicle subsystems.