於VR中提供6自由度持續推進力量回饋之頭戴式裝置

Abstract

在頭部實現的力量回饋能夠實現強烈而身臨其境的虛擬現實（VR）體驗，並已應用於各種VR場景。然而，先前的方法通常在短時間內提供力量回饋，通常不超過500毫秒，這對於需要頭部持續力量回饋的場景是不利的，例如飛行體驗或VR中的導引。此外，由於VR頭盔戴在頭上，應用於頭部的力量回饋可能代表對頭部和整個身體的力量。因此，對頭部進行高自由度（DoF）的力量回饋對於實現真實且多用途的VR體驗至關重要。在這一背景下，我們提出了HeadiCopter，這是一種創新的頭戴裝置，配備兩個可旋轉的螺旋槳，旨在在VR中為頭部提供6DoF持續力量回饋。為了更深入了解使用者在6DoF中對頭部持續力量回饋的感知，我們進行了一項Just-Noticeable Difference（JND）研究，評估他們在區分不同力量水平上的能力。接著，我們進行了方向辨識研究，以評估使用者在6DoF狀態下辨識力量回饋方向的表現。基於這些調查的結果，我們展開了一項VR體驗研究，旨在觀察HeadiCopter提供的6DoF持續力量回饋對VR體驗的潛在增強效果。這一系列研究不僅旨在推動虛擬現實技術的創新，更是為了為使用者帶來更加沉浸和豐富的虛擬體驗，尤其是在需要長時間持續力量回饋的場景，例如飛行導航或360度視頻中。

Force feedback on the head achieves intense and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences and has been utilized in various VR scenarios. However, prior methods typically provide force feedback within short periods, usually less than 500ms, which is unfavorable for scenarios requiring sustained force feedback on the head, e.g. flying experience or guidance in VR. Moreover, since VR headsets are worn on the head, the force feedback applying to the head could represent the force on both the head and the whole body. Therefore, force feedback on the head with high degrees of freedom (DoF) is crucial for realistic and versatile VR experiences. We propose HeadiCopter, a head-worn device equipped with two rotatable propellers to provide 6DoF sustained force feedback on the head in VR. We conducted a just-noticeable difference (JND) study to understand users'' sustained force level distinguishability on the head in 6DoF. We then performed a direction recognition study to evaluate users'' recognition ability in identifying 6DoF force feedback directions. Based on the results of these investigations, we conducted a VR experience study to observe the potential enhancement of VR experiences through the proposed 6DoF sustained force feedback provided by HeadiCopter.