Multi-modal haptic device for large-scale virtual environments

Abstract

The paper aims to present a new human-scale haptic device for virtual environment named Scaleable-SPIDAR (Space Interface Device for Artificial Reality), which provide to both hands different aspects of force feedback sensations, associated mainly with weight, contact and inertia within a cave-like space. Tensioned string techniques are used to generate such haptic sensations, while keeping the space transparent and unbulky. The device is scaleable so as to enclose different cave-like working space. Scaleable-SPIDAR is coupled with a large screen where a computer generated virtual world is displayed. The used approach is shown to be simple, safe and multi-modal interface for human-scale virtual environment (VE).