Haptic Interactions for Extended Reality

• Published in: Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on Consumer Electronics pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Vermeulen, Yentl, Van Damme, Sam, Van Wallendael, Glenn, De Turck, Filip, Vega, Maria Torres
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 06.01.2023
• Subjects: Augmented Reality (AR); Costs; Extended reality; Haptic feedback; Haptic interfaces; Head-Mounted Display; Keyboards; Switches; Time measurement; User experience
• ISSN: 2158-4001
• DOI: 10.1109/ICCE56470.2023.10043499

This research investigates whether the interaction methods of eXtended Reality (XR) headsets can be improved by using haptic feedback. As a first and most common technique, indirect interactions are considered. Indirect interactions correspond to manipulations of virtual objects from a virtual distance using pre-defined hand gestures. As a second interaction technique, direct interaction (namely Direct Interaction Method (DIM)) has been implemented where the user manipulates objects by virtually touching these with their hands. A third interaction method extends the previous one with haptic feedback (namely Haptic Enhanced Direct Interaction Method (HEDIM)). These 3 methods are compared with each other based on objective and subjective user tests, also taking into account financial considerations. This research concludes that the DIM improves upon the standard indirect method. Additionally, it has been observed that haptic feedback could enhance the DIM in specific situations. Nevertheless, when considering the current financial cost, our subjects were not convinced of the small improvements haptic feedback brings.