HeadiCopter: Providing 6DoF sustained propulsive force on head in VR
Journal
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Journal Volume
198
Start Page
103463
ISSN
1071-5819
Date Issued
2025-04
Author(s)
Abstract
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.
Subjects
Force feedback
Head-worn device
Propeller-based feedback
Virtual reality
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article