VR-Stepper: A Do-It-Yourself Game Interface For Locomotion In Virtual Environments

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, DIY locomotion interface for virtual environments using a sports stepper and Arduino, enhancing immersion and natural movement without expensive equipment.

Contribution

It introduces an inexpensive, do-it-yourself VR locomotion device using a sports stepper and Arduino, avoiding costly treadmills and fixation devices.

Findings

Stepper interface increased immersion and joy of use.

Joystick perceived as more reliable by users.

User study with 10 participants comparing interfaces.

Abstract

Compared to real world tasks, completing tasks in a virtual environment (VE) seldom involves the whole spectrum of skills the human body offers. User input in a VE is commonly accomplished through simple finger gestures, such as walking in a scene by simply pressing a button, even if this kind of interaction is not very suitable. In order to create a more intuitive and natural interaction, diverse projects try to tackle the problem of locomotion in VEs by trying to enable a natural walking movement, which is also supposed to increase the level of immersion. Existing solutions such as treadmills are still expensive and need additional fixation of the body. In this paper, we describe a simple and inexpensive way to build a useful locomotion interface using a conventional sports stepper and an Arduino. This device enables control in a VE by walking-in-place and without the need for any additional fixation gadgets. We conducted a user study with 10 participants to evaluate the impression on the joy and ease of use, immersion and reliability in comparison to other interfaces used for locomotion, such as the Wii Balance Board and a Wand Joystick. We found out that the stepper is experienced slightly better in terms of immersion and joy of use. Furthermore, found that pressing buttons on a Joystick was perceived to be more reliable.