利用氣動推力產生力回饋的頭戴式裝置用以增進使用者在虛擬體驗中的加速度感及沈浸感

Abstract

我們研發了一套名為 HeadBlaster 的創新穿戴式裝置，能對使用者頭部施加不須接地的力回饋以刺激使用者的前庭與本體覺感知系統。相較於傳統移動式平台透過傾斜使用者全身來製造短暫的速度感知，HeadBlaster 能夠利用持續的力回饋，更準確地模擬現實生活中慣性與離心力的感知。由於 HeadBlaster 不須接地且只需作用於頭部，使用者不須被侷限在固定的機械上，在體驗速度感的同時仍可以在空間中自由移動。我們將六顆空氣噴頭安裝於市售虛擬實境頭戴顯示器上，並連接至空氣壓縮機，利用高壓空氣被釋放所產生的反向推進力來製造持續的橫向力回饋。並透過控制四個方向的噴頭開關，製造出平面360度的橫向力。我們進行了數個人因感知實驗來探討頭部受力時的移動量、速度感持續時間與最低可感知的施力大小，並在最後利用兩個虛擬實境應用——一款自製的衝浪遊戲，以及與市售移動平台結合的市售賽車模擬程式——來進一步評測 HeadBlaster 的使用者體驗。實驗結果證實 HeadBlaster 能顯著地提供比傳統移動平台更持久的加速度感知，也能顯著地提升虛擬實境體驗的真實感與沉浸感，並且獲得絕大多數 受測者喜好。另外，我們也證實將 HeadBlaster 與市售移動平台結合能更進一步加強虛擬實境中的使用者體驗。

We present HeadBlaster, a novel wearable technology that creates motion perception by applying ungrounded force to the head to stimulate the vestibular and proprioception sensory systems. Compared to motion platforms that tilt the body, HeadBlaster more closely approximates how lateral inertial and centrifugal forces are felt during real motion to provide more persistent motion perception. In addition, because HeadBlaster only actuates the head rather than the entire body, it eliminates the mechanical motion platforms that users must be constrained to, which improves user mobility and enables room-scale VR experiences. We designed a wearable HeadBlaster system with 6 air nozzles integrated into a VR headset, using compressed air jets to provide persistent, lateral propulsion forces. By controlling multiple air jets, it is able to create the perception of lateral acceleration in 360 degrees. We conducted a series of perception and human-factor studies to quantify the head movement, the persistence of perceived acceleration, and the minimal level of detectable forces. We then explored the user experience of HeadBlaster through two VR applications: a custom surfing game, and a commercial driving simulator together with a commercial motion platform. Study results showed that HeadBlaster provided significantly longer perceived duration of acceleration than motion platforms. It also significantly improved realism and immersion, and was preferred by users compared to using VR alone. In addition, it can be used in conjunction with motion platforms to further augment the user experience.