Demonstration of Drag:on - A VR Controller Providing Haptic Feedback Based on Drag and Weight Shift

PubDate: April 2020

Teams: German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence

Writers: André Zenner；Donald Degraen；Florian Daiber；Antonio Krüger

PDF: Demonstration of Drag:on - A VR Controller Providing Haptic Feedback Based on Drag and Weight Shift

Abstract

While standard VR controllers lack means to convey realistic, kinesthetic impressions of size, resistance or inertia, this demonstration presents Drag:on, an ungrounded shape-changing interaction device that provides dynamic passive haptic feedback based on drag, i.e. air resistance, and weight shift. Drag:on leverages the airflow at the controller during interaction. The device adjusts its surface area to change the drag and rotational inertia felt by the user. When rotated or swung, Drag:on, conveys an impression of resistance, which we previously used in a VR user study to increase the haptic realism of virtual objects and interactions compared to standard controllers. Drag:on’s feedback is suitable for rendering virtual mechanical resistances, virtual gas streams, and virtual objects differing in scale, material and fill state. In our demonstration, participants learn about this novel feedback concept, the implementation of our prototype and can experience the resistance feedback during a hands-on session.