Haptic VR Ring

PROBLEM

There is no haptic feedback when using hands in VR.

While feedbacks are given when users use controllers, they do not feel any physical sensations corresponding to their interactions within the virtual environment when they use their hands directly. The lack of haptic feedback when using hands in VR can diminish the overall sense of immersion and tactile presence.

SOLUTION

Haptic VR Ring

The Haptic CR Ring project aims to enhance the VR typing experience by providing users with realistic haptic feedback as they interact with a virtual keyboard. This project combines hardware components, including an Arduino board and haptic actuators, with software development in Unity to create an immersive and intuitive typing experience for VR users.

DEMO

The ring provides real-time feedback for typing and poking VR interactions.

DESIGN

The Quest headset is used for hand tracking and movement detection. It's hooked up with a Unity program where when an interface is pressed, a series of messages will be sent to Arduino using serial communication.

System Design

Actuators

What is the ring made out of?

The ring itself was designed using CAD software and 3D printed with translucent PLA material. The microcontroller controls two actuators, an LED and a vibration disc.

Interaction

How does it work?

When the user presses on an interface in VR, the vibration disc provides haptic feedback and the LED indicates that the system is working.

Ergonimics

How does it fit?

The Diameter of the ring was calculated to comfortably accommodate different finger sizes and to prevent the ring from falling off, user can slide the ring to the base of their index finger. This design also allows for intermediate use of the mouse or the physical keyboard.

REFLECTION

I was surprised to learn how a simple vibration could elevate the virtual experience! My peers who tried it on felt the same.

People with various finger sizes trying the ring on during the project demo

Instead of building an expensive haptic glove that can give you different sensations but is bulky and cumbersome to put on, I decided to go with 'small' and 'convenient' - a ring that you could casually put on and get typing feedback. I'm most the ergonomics of the design which allows you to still use your mouse and physical keyboard with the ring. While this was a rapid prototype, I'm excited to have finally put my idea out there and shared it with the physical computing community!