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

• Published in: Computer animation and virtual worlds Vol. 30; no. 3-4
• Main Authors: Krogmeier, Claudia, Mousas, Christos, Whittinghill, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2019
• Subjects: Arousal; Feedback; Galvanic skin response; haptic feedback; haptic vest; Human-computer interaction; Physiology; Realism; virtual bump; virtual characters; Virtual environments; virtual reality
• ISSN: 1546-4261; 1546-427X
• DOI: 10.1002/cav.1883

In this study, we compare haptic feedback and nonhaptic feedback conditions in which virtual characters bump into the participant who is immersed in a virtual environment. A questionnaire was developed to determine the influence of haptic feedback on a number of concepts (presence, embodiment, positive and negative affect, interaction realism with virtual character, and haptic feedback realism). Physiological data were also collected using galvanic skin response (GSR) to investigate the influence of haptic feedback on physiological arousal during human–virtual character interaction. Five conditions were developed (no haptic feedback, full intensity, half intensity, incorrect position, and delayed timing) to determine which aspects of haptic feedback are most important in influencing participant responses. Significant differences were found in embodiment, realism of virtual character interaction, and haptic feedback realism. In addition, significant differences were found in GSR amplitude after the first interaction with the virtual character. Implications for further research are discussed. We compare haptic feedback and nonhaptic feedback conditions in which virtual characters bump into the participant who is immersed in a virtual environment. Five conditions were developed (no haptic feedback, full intensity, half intensity, incorrect position, and delayed timing) to determine which aspects of haptic feedback are most important in influencing participant responses. Significant differences were found in embodiment, realism of virtual character interaction, and haptic feedback realism as well as in GSR amplitude after the first interaction with the virtual character.