Using Haptics to Improve Immersion in Virtual Environments

Abstract

Abstract. Current immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system strategies do not fully support dynamic Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and since there is a growing need for better immersion, due consideration should be given to integrate additional modalities for improved HCI. While feedback in Virtual Environments (VE) is predominantly provided to the user through the visual and auditory channels, additional modalities such as haptics can increase the sense of presence and efficiency in VE simulations. Haptic interfaces can enhance the VE interaction by enabling users to "touch" and "feel" virtual objects that are simulated in the environment. This paper examines the reasons behind its integration based on the limitations of present immersive projection system.

Human–virtual character interaction: Toward understanding the influence of haptic feedback

“…In general, the literature includes a variety of studies regarding the design, development, and testing of haptic feedback devices that target improvement of haptic stimulus . Some of these platforms and haptic surfaces are quite useful for virtual reality interaction.…”

Exploring Haptic Feedback in Exergames

“…Physical feedback has b [24]. A lack of haptic fe collaborative groupware [25 exergames to simulate real do provide physical feedb knowledge, the effect of h experimentally investigated desktop environments [25] have created the Pedal Ra enhance the experience of r produces a pulsing sensation every time a balloon ster a player pedals, the more rapidly the pulses occur ce is exceeded, the gamepad vibrates continuously, giv wn.…”

“…Haptic feedback may be tactile or kinesthetic [24]. Tactile feedback provides a sense of touch (e.g., texture and vibration), while kinesthetic feedback leads the user to perceive force (e.g., weight and resistance).…”

The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimulation on the Emotional Response to Horror Films

“…Researchers such as Lindeman, Sibert and Hahn (1999) showed that adding passive haptic feedback improved performance on tasks and the sense of immersion within virtual reality environments and was preferred by study participants. Since this early haptic research, many other researchers (e.g., Ramsamy et al, 2006) have shown that incorporating haptic or vibrotactile feedback has positive effects on users and task performance (see Alahakone and Senanayake, 2009 for an excellent summary and analysis of vibrotactile systems for a wide range of applications from sports to rehabilitation).…”