Measurable Presence for a novel virtual object manipulation task using a kinaesthetic feedback system

This work explored several methods of measuring presence, through different visual/tactual feedback modes for a novel virtual object manipulation task, in order to evaluate the VisiTact system [1] and assess the influence of haptic, visual and augmented feedback on a conventional assembly task. The scope of the study was based on a pilot study [2], which preceded this work. The pilot study was conducted with two objectives in mind: to determine the number and order of trials required and to determine the number of participants needed for this study. The pilot study recommended that the study should consider no less than four trial repetitions for each task. Additionally, the study should employ at least thirteen subjects to ensure that the results are adequate for such contact type tasks. However, the order or randomisation, in which each of the modes is executed, was deemed not to be significant. The study has shown that there were significant differences between the completion time results, and that there was also a significant difference between the real task and any other task involving the use of the VisiTact system. The variation in the immersion level and the visibility of the participant´s hand led to significant differences in the task performance, i.e. wearing a Head Mounted Display (HMD) demonstrated a superior performance over other VR modes, in terms of reduced task completion time.