Haptic-go-round: A Surrounding Platform for Encounter-type Haptics in Virtual Reality Experiences

Haptic-go-round (HGR) is a surrounding platform (a) that allows deploying props and devices (b) to provide haptic feedback from any direction for virtual reality experiences. The key component of HGR is a motorized turntable that rotates the correct haptic device to the right direction at the right time to match what users are about to touch (c, d).

It also provides force feedback. The picture above shows a user is dragged by a virtual marlin around the ship as the turntable rotates.

We implemented a working platform including plug-and-play prop cartridges and a software interface (as shown in the picture below) that allows experienced designers to agilely add their haptic components and use the platform for their applications.