Exploring the Use of Passive Haptics in Redirected Walking-based Virtual Environments Luv Kohli COMP239 April 20, 2005 Final Project Update

Problem 1 Lack of touch feedback (haptics) in VR is disturbing Interaction without haptics is difficult

Solutions Passive haptics Active haptics Avatar redirection

Problem 2 Size of virtual world limited by size of physical tracker space

Solutions Flying Treadmills Virtual walkways/escalators Redirected walking Lots of others

Redirected Walking + Passive Haptics… The idea of using passive haptics in an environment that uses redirected walking seemingly goes out the window Real Virtual Physical prop

…with our powers combined… With careful environment design, is it possible to incorporate passive haptics into a virtual environment that uses redirected walking?

Some thoughts Redirected walking not possible if within arm’s reach of physical prop Physical prop Region where user is within arm’s reach of prop

Consequences There are “pockets” in the physical world – regions surrounding physical props – where redirected walking cannot be done Much less area available for redirecting the user, particularly if the prop is in the middle of the tracked area Virtual objects must align with physical objects by the time the user reaches them Users might crash into physical props

Consequences, schmonsequences I want to do it anyway. Any redirection must be done outside the “pockets,” but…

Can we combine techniques? Imagine using Sharif Razzaque’s Redirected Walking with Eric Burns’ Avatar Redirection If the virtual object in question is not aligned with the real physical prop, would avatar redirection be able to help? Not something I intend to look into this semester

Ideas If a user will only interact with one side of a prop, it may be better to keep it near the boundary of the tracked space Use distractions to redirect users (maybe the forearm/Haptic Hand interfaces can be a distraction?) If prop is symmetrical (e.g. circular table), maybe we can get away with less strict alignment requirements

Environments to Ponder RealVirtual

Environments to Ponder RealVirtual

Environments to Ponder Something Also something, but something else (something with virtualators?) RealVirtual