JumpMod - Haptic Backpack that Modifies Users’ Perceived Jump 

June 2022 - September 2022

Published: CHI '23; Also showcased at SIGGRAPH '23 and demoed at Argonne National Lab
Authors: Romain Nith, Jacob Serfaty, Sam Shatzkin, Alan Shen, Pedro Lopes
Affiliation: UChicago Human-Computer Integration Lab

Video Showcase

Abstract

Vertical force-feedback is extremely rare in mainstream interactive experiences. This happens because existing haptic devices capable of sufficiently strong forces that would modify a user's jump require grounding (e.g., motion platforms or pulleys) or cumbersome actuators (e.g., large propellers attached or held by the user). To enable interactive experiences to feature jump-based haptics without sacrificing wearability, we propose JumpMod, an untethered backpack that modifies one's sense of jumping. JumpMod achieves this by moving a weight up/down along the user's back, which modifies perceived jump momentum—creating accelerated & decelerated jump sensations. In our second study, we empirically found that our device can render five effects: jump higher, land harder/softer, pulled higher/lower. Based on these, we designed four jumping experiences for VR & sports. Finally, in our third study, we found that participants preferred wearing our device in an interactive context, such as one of our jump-based VR applications. 

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