Haptic Links

Bimanual Haptics for Virtual Reality Using Variable Stiffness Actuation

ACM CHI 2018
Evan Strasnick, Christian Holz, Eyal Ofek, Mike Sinclair, and Hrvoje Benko
Haptic Links

Abstract

We present Haptic Links, electro-mechanically actuated physical connections capable of rendering variable stiffness between two commodity handheld virtual reality (VR) controllers. When attached, Haptic Links can dynamically alter the forces perceived between the user’s hands to support the haptic rendering of a variety of two-handed objects and interactions. They can rigidly lock controllers in an arbitrary configuration, constrain specific degrees of freedom or directions of motion, and dynamically set stiffness along a continuous range. We demonstrate and compare three prototype Haptic Links: Chain, Layer-Hinge, and Ratchet-Hinge. We then describe interaction techniques and scenarios leveraging the capabilities of each. Our user evaluation results confirm that users can perceive many two-handed objects or interactions as more realistic with Haptic Links than with typical unlinked VR controllers.

Video

Reference

Evan Strasnick, Christian Holz, Eyal Ofek, Mike Sinclair, and Hrvoje Benko. Haptic Links: Bimanual Haptics for Virtual Reality Using Variable Stiffness Actuation. In Proceedings of ACM CHI 2018.