VR as it currently exists is a visual medium, with VR headsets providing the entirety of the output, but Microsoft's new NormalTouch and TextureTouch VR systems add the sense of touch into VR experiences. The systems, which involve unique controllers, were developed by Microsoft Research, and they work in conjunction with an Oculus Rift DK2 and the OptiTrack.
The two systems each work to provide a different aspect of the sense of touch. NormalTouch provides force feedback, pushing against the user's appendage and precisely adjusting its angle to mimic the force of pressing against the VR object. TextureTouch, on the other hand, gives finer feedback that is meant to represent the texture of VR objects. The current prototypes can only give haptic feedback for the tip of one's index finger, though larger arrays are feasible.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Haptic VR Systems
- The development of haptic VR systems is disrupting the VR industry by enhancing the sense of touch in VR experiences.
- Texturetouch Technology
- TextureTouch technology is disrupting the VR industry by allowing users to experience the texture of VR objects.
- Force Feedback Controllers
- Force feedback controllers are disrupting the VR industry by providing precise force feedback to mimic pressing against VR objects.
Where This Applies
- Virtual Reality Industry
- The virtual reality industry can benefit from haptic VR systems by enhancing the user experience with a sense of touch.
- Gaming Industry
- The gaming industry can incorporate haptic VR systems with TextureTouch and force feedback controllers to provide users with a more immersive gaming experience.
- E-commerce Industry
- The e-commerce industry can use haptic VR systems with TextureTouch technology to allow customers to feel the texture of products before they purchase them online.
