Infinite stairs: simulating stairs in virtual reality based on visuo-haptic interaction

ABSTRACT

In the field of virtual reality, a few methods exist that allow a user to walk up and down the stairs in a virtual environment (VE); however, most of them are based on a complicated device system that generates physical steps using actuators. Because it is difficult for users wearing head mounted displays (HMDs) to keep track of the surrounding environment, walking on physical steps could prove to be very dangerous and lead to injuries. Further, these systems have disadvantages in that the user cannot walk naturally. Therefore, we present "Infinite Stairs," which is a novel technique to simulate the sensation of walking up and down the stairs in a VE based on visuo-haptic interaction. The haptic stimuli provided by a small bump under the feet of the users correspond to the edge of the stair in the VE, and the visual stimuli of the stairs and shoes, provided by the HMD, evoke visuo-haptic interaction for the user. "Infinite Stairs" enables the user to experience any type of virtual stairs, including Penrose stairs, in a virtual reality setting.

References

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Index Terms

• Human-centered computing

  • Human computer interaction (HCI)

    • Interaction paradigms

      • Virtual reality