Smart Haproxy: A Novel Vibrotactile Feedback Prototype Combining Passive and Active Haptic in AR Interaction

Haptic interaction is an important way to enhance human-computer interaction experience in the Augmented Reality (AR). Passive haptic realizes the perception and interaction of virtual objects using a physical prop without active actuators. However, when a single physical prop represents multiple different virtual objects, we might assist active haptic to enhance the haptic perception of virtual objects. This paper described a hybrid technique that combined passive haptic and active haptic and proposed a low-cost vibrotactile feedback prototype, Smart Haproxy, for haptic interaction in an AR assembly task. Smart Haproxy was integrated with a cuboid-shaped physical prop installed with vibration motors. We hope to enhance the haptic perception of virtual objects through active vibrotactile feedback while providing passive haptic sensation. Therefore, we designed a desktop jigsaw-like task to explore the effects of the combination of passive haptic and active haptic on haptic perception. The results found that our prototype could reduce the mismatch of haptic and vision between the haptic proxy and different virtual objects and significantly enhance haptic perception and interaction experience in the AR environment.