To interact with elements in the
virtual world, common VR headsets usually come with controllers. Users hold
these in their hands as they interact with all elements of the virtual user
interface. However, the controllers usually do not feel like they look in
virtual space. This reduces immersion and to improve this, researchers from LMU
Munich's media informatics group, developed a toolkit for flying control
elements. They first selected five common user interface elements from the
virtual world (button, knob, joystick, slider, 3D mouse) and fabricated them
using 3D printers. The elements were then attached to quadrocopters, i.e.,
small drones.
As soon as a virtual control
element is visible in the virtual world, a flyable with the matching element
steers to the person operating it - and the feeling when touching it matches
the expectation. One study already showed that the flyables enable realistic
and playful interaction with virtual content. They also allowed for users to
feel more immersed in the VR environment. However, the flyables are currently
in a prototype stage and cannot yet compete with modern controllers in terms of
input precision. Consequently, the team is currently working on improving the
force feedback. They also want to be able to produce flyable elements
automatically and within a few minutes via 3D printing.
More information:
https://idw-online.de/en/news788894