The "Kinesthetic HMD": Enhancing Self-Motion Sensations in VR with Head-Based Force Feedback

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Kinesthetic HMD, a head-mounted device with force feedback that enhances self-motion sensations in VR, demonstrating improved user experience through a prototype and user study.

Contribution

It presents a novel head-mounted force feedback system for VR that significantly improves self-motion sensations compared to visual-only experiences.

Findings

Kinesthetic HMD provides stronger self-motion sensations.

The system enhances egocentric perception of motion.

User study confirms increased sensation strength.

Abstract

The sensation of self-motion is essential in many virtual reality applications, from entertainment to training, such as flying and driving simulators. If the common approach used in amusement parks is to actuate the seats with cumbersome systems, multisensory integration can also be leveraged to get rich effects from lightweight solutions. In this short paper, we introduce a novel approach called the "Kinesthetic HMD": actuating a head-mounted display with force feedback in order to provide sensations of self-motion. We discuss its design considerations and demonstrate an augmented flight simulator use case with a proof-of-concept prototype. We conducted a user study assessing our approach's ability to enhance self-motion sensations. Taken together, our results show that our Kinesthetic HMD provides significantly stronger and more egocentric sensations than a visual-only self-motion experience. Thus, by providing congruent vestibular and proprioceptive cues related to balance and self-motion, the Kinesthetic HMD represents a promising approach for a variety of virtual reality applications in which motion sensations are prominent.