Difficulties Using Passive Haptic Augmentation in the Interaction within a Virtual Environment

In this paper, the evaluation of an interaction technique based on the metaphor of the natural hand in a virtual environment (VE) is presented. The aim of this study is the analysis of how the inclusion of passive haptic feedback affects the interaction within a VE. With this purpose an experiment with 18 subjects was conducted. The pilot design of this experiment and the implemented system used as a testbed are described. The evaluation of this interaction has been developed taking into account both, objective and subjective factors. A pilot experiment was conducted to study the relationship among haptic feedback, presence and task performance, and the obtained results are discussed. A new objective estimation of presence is also presented.

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