Multi-Contact Touch Feedback and Visualization for Spatial Data Analysis

Summary

This study explores how visual and touch-based feedback can help people understand three-dimensional data in virtual reality. Participants will wear a virtual reality headset and haptic gloves, which are wearable gloves that provide vibration feedback to the hands. They will complete several tasks involving three-dimensional shapes and structures, such as estimating thickness, identifying regions, and following thin structures. The study will compare visual interaction with interactions that combine visual and touch-based feedback, using either one or two fingers. The goal is to understand when touch-based feedback and multiple points of contact can help people explore and understand spatial data. The study will take approximately 60 minutes and will take place at the University of Calgary. Participants will receive $20 for their time and effort.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 75

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

We are seeking participants who:
1. are between 18 and 75 years of age.
2. have previously used a virtual reality headset and are comfortable navigating a virtual environment and interacting with 3D objects. The VR tasks in this study will be performed in a seated position.
3. do not have a known susceptibility to motion sickness or cybersickness, a history of seizures or photosensitive epilepsy, a vestibular (inner-ear/balance) condition, or a hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder injury or condition that could interfere with the required interactions..
4. are able to wear gloves and perform the required hand- and finger-based interactions.
5. have sufficient English proficiency to understand the study instructions, provide informed consent, and complete the study questionnaires.

Exclusion criteria:

An individual is not eligible to participate if they:
1. have a known susceptibility to motion sickness or cybersickness.
2. have a history of seizures or photosensitive epilepsy.
3. have a vestibular (inner-ear/balance) condition.
4. have a hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder injury or condition that could interfere with the required hand- and finger-based interactions.
5. score below the minimum eligibility threshold of 25 on the VR symptom screening questionnaire.

Participate

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Method of contact

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Additional information

Contact information

Katherine (Xiaoli) Hou PhD Student in Department of Computer Science University of Calgary T: 403-890-5588, E: xiaoli.hou@ucalgary.ca

Principal investigator:

Usman Alim

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB26-1401