JetUnit: Rendering Diverse Force Feedback in Virtual Reality Using Water Jets

TL;DR

JetUnit is a novel water-based VR haptic system that uses water jets to deliver diverse force feedback, enhancing immersion while keeping users dry, through optimized parameters and user-centered design.

Contribution

Introduces JetUnit, a wearable water jet system for VR that produces varied force feedback, with design parameters optimized via experiments and perception studies.

Findings

System delivers diverse force feedback sensations

Enhances user immersion in VR experiences

Maintains dryness while providing realistic haptic feedback

Abstract

We propose JetUnit, a water-based VR haptic system designed to produce force feedback with a wide spectrum of intensities and frequencies through water jets. The key challenge in designing this system lies in optimizing parameters to enable the haptic device to generate force feedback that closely replicates the most intense force produced by direct water jets while ensuring the user remains dry. In this paper, we present the key design parameters of the JetUnit wearable device determined through a set of quantitative experiments and a perception study. We further conducted a user study to assess the impact of integrating our haptic solutions into virtual reality experiences. The results revealed that, by adhering to the design principles of JetUnit, the water-based haptic system is capable of delivering diverse force feedback sensations, significantly enhancing the immersive experience in virtual reality.