University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Invisible resistance: Mid-air stiffness perception via control-display manipulation

Shah, Arnav Sejal

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129237

Description

Title
Invisible resistance: Mid-air stiffness perception via control-display manipulation
Author(s)
Shah, Arnav Sejal
Issue Date
2025-04-23
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Soltanaghai, Elahe
Department of Study
Siebel School Comp & Data Sci
Discipline
Computer Science
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • Virtual Reality
  • Pseudo-Haptics
  • Stiffness Perception
  • Control-Display Gain
  • Hand Gesture Recognition
Abstract
Hand gesture recognition in virtual reality (VR) enables users to interact with digital environments without controllers, allowing for intuitive mid-air object manipulation. However, the absence of tangible feedback presents a challenge in conveying haptic sensations. One of the solutions to address this limitation is leveraging pseudo-haptic techniques that rely on visual feedback to simulate touch perception. For example, prior studies have induced a sense of stiffness in virtual objects using deformation cues, but none have explored the role of Control-Display (C/D) gain manipulation in enhancing stiffness perception. This study investigates whether C/D gain manipulations can influence perceived stiffness in mid-air interactions. Specifically, we examine (1) the range of C/D gains that remain imperceptible to users, (2) whether users associate C/D gain changes with stiffness variations, and (3) whether multiple distinguishable levels of perceived stiffness can be achieved through C/D gain manipulation. We provide a first model of how C/D gains correspond to physical stiffness perceived during object stretching. These results have implications for designing more immersive and responsive virtual environments, particularly in applications requiring precise stiffness differentiation, such as surgical simulations and educational games.
Graduation Semester
2025-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129237
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025 Arnav Shah

Owning Collections

Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois