In this paper, we present the HapticWall system, an encountered-type, motor actuated vertical two-dimensional system that enables both small and large scale physical interactions in virtual reality. The HapticWall system consists of a motor-actuated vertical two-dimensional gantry system that powers the physical proxy for the virtual counterpart. The physical proxy, combined with the HapticWall system, can be used to provide both small and large scale haptic feedbacks for virtual reality in the vertical space. The HapticWall is capable of providing wall-like haptic feedback and interactions in the vertical space. With Unity 3D, we created two virtual reality applications to demonstrate the function and operation of the HapticWall system. The two applications correspond to demonstrating both small and large scale haptic feedback, as defined in this paper. Preliminary user feedback from 11 participants was collected to evaluate the performance and the limitations of the HapticWall system. The user feedbacks from both applications indicated that the HapticWall system enhanced the virtual reality experience. The results of our study are presented in this paper. The outcome of this research will provide better understanding of the haptic interfaces in the vertical space for virtual reality and guide the future development of the HapticWall system.


Hapticwall - an Encountered-Type Two-Dimensional Vertical System for Virtual Reality

Division / Sponsors: 
Dynamic Systems & Control (DSCD)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/DSCC/DSCC2020/volume/84270

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