HaptDoll: an interactive device for tactile sensation with virtual companion doll

With the advance of display technology, the virtual reality technique has become more valuable than ever, which then promotes the development of VR/AR interactive contents. VR has the potential to provide experiences and deliver results that cannot be otherwise achieved. However, interacting with immersive applications is not always straightforward and it is not just about an interface for the user to reach their goals. It is also about users working in an intuitive attitude that is a comfortable experience and devoid of frustration. This work provides solutions to the issues of being too hard for the user to have intuitive experiences in the virtual scenario. For the intuitive experience, we developed a wireless wearable device which is set on the user's upper-body to detect the activities then import them into the virtual environment. For interactive and immersive VR contents, we developed a companion doll that provides haptic feedback in the real-world and six emotional expressions in the virtual world.