Motion-based game controller augments reality

Image via Tactical Haptics

Reactive Feedback is a motion-based game controller created by the company Tactical Haptics. The controller aims to popularize feedback technology to enhance a player’s reality while gaming by using skin-stretch technology that simulates what is going on in the game. Whether the gamer is swinging a sword, shooting a virtual gun, or punching a virtual opponent, Reactive Feedback creates a comprehensively interactive experience for gamers, immersing them in visual realities.Here, players can feel their on-screen interactions in real life through holding the handle of the device. 

Tactical Haptics focuses on artificial touch technology and force feedback. These developments have conceptualized the design of hand-based tactile models. All technology developed will create a realistic and tangible touch feedback experience while playing video games. Tactical Haptics will allow users to feel like they’re in the game, making that alternate reality blend into their real world. The device will enable users to feel the impact of a sword, the kick while shooting a virtual gun, or a push from an on-screen opponent. Through the virtual sculpting and modeling applications, hobbyists can complete virtual projects by feeling the physical interactions.

Reactive Grip mimics the friction and sheer external forces that we all feel when brushing against a surface or holding something in real life. It observes how the skin stretches and provides feedback. On the Reactive Grip, there are sliding contactor bars on four sides of the handle. Input and motion tracking are identified from integrated Razer Hydra.

 
The device measures the user’s hand motions and actuates the small sliding plates on the grip of the controller to recreate the friction and external forces that you’d normally feel when holding an object in real life. The controller reacts to the on-screen rumbling actions of the player, and creates vibrations in the Reactive Grip.

The company hopes to eventually integrate their technology into franchises like Battlefield, Call of Duty, or Elder Scrolls. This technology is compatible with motion-based controller consoles like Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Kinect, or Sony Move.

Haptics’ technology will eventually be applied to creating navigation aids for the blind, support for limb rehabilitation, and can be used during minimally invasive surgery.

The company, Tactical Haptics, is currently raising money through Kickstarter to fund their research and development.

Image via Tactical Haptics

Story via BBC News, Tactical Haptics