Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University created a device that uses strings attached to the user’s hand and fingertips to simulate the feel of obstacles and heavy objects in a virtual reality (VR) environment. Until now, VR systems have not had the ability to recreate feel.
A new device developed at Carnegie Mellon University uses multiple strings attached to the hand and fingers to simulate the feel of obstacles and heavy objects in virtual reality environments. Source:Carnegie Mellon University
The system locks strings when the user’s hand is near a virtual wall simulates touching a wall in real life. The string mechanisms enable the feel of contours of a virtual sculpture, sense resistance when pushing a piece of furniture and can allow users to give a virtual high five.
The device weighs less than 10 ounces and sits on the user’s shoulder. It consumes less battery power than other similar devices and has a low cost. The team believes that a mass-produced version would cost less than $50. User evaluation of the multi-string device proved that it was more realistic than other haptic techniques.
Past haptic devices used strings to create haptic feedback in virtual worlds, but they typically used motors to control the strings. Motors are heavy, expensive and require a lot of power. Researchers wanted to develop a motor-less device that overcomes these issues.
The device uses spring-loaded retractors that are similar to those in key chains and ID badges. The ratchet mechanism is rapidly locked with electrically controlled latches. Springs keep the strings taut. Only a small amount of power is needed to engage the latch. The device is energy efficient and can be operated on battery power.
The strings of the device are attached to the users’ fingertips, palm and wrist. The Leap Motion sensor is attached to the VR headset and tracks hand and finger motions. The sensor senses when the user’s hand is in proximity to a virtual object or wall. The rachets engage in a sequence suited to the virtual object’s shape. The latches disengage when the user withdraws their hand.
The system is suitable for VR games and experiences that involve interacting with physical obstacles and objects. It could be used in virtual museums and even shop in a virtual furniture store.
A paper on this technology was published in the Conference Proceedings in the Association for Computing Machinery’s Digital Library.
