Enhanced Wearable Force-Feedback Mechanism for Free-Range Haptic Experience Extended by Pass-Through Mixed Reality

Abstract

We present an extended prototype of a wearable force-feedback mechanism coupled with a Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display to enhance immersion in virtual environments. Our study focuses on the development of devices and virtual experiences that place significant emphasis on personal sensing capabilities, such as precise inside-out optical hand, head, and controller tracking, as well as lifelike haptic feedback utilizing servos and vibration rumble motors, among others. The new prototype addresses various limitations and deficiencies identified in previous stages of development, resulting in significant user performance improvements. Key enhancements include weight reduction, wireless connectivity, optimized power delivery, refined haptic feedback intensity, improved stylus alignment, and smooth transitions between stylus use and hand-tracking. Furthermore, the integration of a mixed reality pass-through feature enables users to experience a comprehensive and immersive environment that blends physical and virtual worlds. These advancements pave the way for future exploration of mixed reality applications, opening up new possibilities for immersive and interactive experiences that combine useful aspects of real and virtual environments.