Design and development of single vibrotactile feedback for human computer interaction in a virtual studio

Abstract

The main objective of this project is the design of a system to indicate the exact position of a virtual object, placed in a three-dimensional space, to interact in a real time in a virtual studio. The signalling is carried out through one tactor placed in the arm which emits a vibrotactile feedback signal to indicate the distance to the virtual object. These indications are interpreted through proportional changes in the intensity (rhythm) of vibration. Normally, the actors who work in virtual studios need to interact with invisible objects because these objects are processed and rendered separately by computers. In these cases, the actors have to learn the position of the virtual object or use a visual monitor that in many cases, this is not possible or effective. In the case to interact with dynamical objects, the task is more difficult and it produces too much errors. This system is able to receives the information and find the exact position discreetly, due to, the system doesn't work with cables (wireless) and is enough small to place inside your wear. So, is not necessary looks all the time a specific position o predict where is placed the virtual object. This system allows free movements without distractions within the virtual studio. In this study an evaluation of the vibrotactile feedback for possible real applications were realized to check the effects and accuracy and to make a comparison with system which also uses vibrotactile display or another kind of system like visual or sound display.