Sense of Touch in Training Tasks Demanding High Precision and Short Time of Execution

Abstract

Engaging the sense of touch in virtual environments is a challenging and important issue. Currently, the most common way to address this issue is the use of a set of actuators that restrict hand movement. This article presents an alternative method to track physical surrogate representations of virtual objects using a vision-based system. Using real objects that can be manipulated by a person immersed in a virtual environment is an alternative to expensive robotized haptic systems. Moreover, this technique allows the user to move objects over long distances. Research conducted with 30 volunteers shows that the sense of touch can significantly reduce the execution time of tasks demanding high precision. Despite this decrease in execution time, an increase in precision has been observed. The conclusion of this article looks at the pros and cons of the use of physical surrogates for virtual objects, for example, less time needed for virtual reality-based training with the use of physical surrogates.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This article was prepared on the basis of the results of a research task carried out within the scope of the statutory activity of the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (project III–38) supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Supplemental material for this article can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anrWman9ru8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt33fHug0l8.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrzej Grabowski

Andrzej Grabowski is a physicist and computer scientist with an interest in human behavior in virtual environments; he is also the head of the Virtual Reality Laboratory and a professor at the Department of Safety Engineering of the Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute.