Redirected Seating: Helical Illusion for Seated VR Experiences

Redirected seating (RDS) applies redirected walking techniques to seated experience. Sometimes physical circumstances inhibit unrestricted motion of a chair. By embedding a physical rotary platform, a swivel chair, into a virtual helical path, we contrive a plausible situation that excuses enforced restriction of angular excursion. The virtual "screw" can be terminated on both ends, and virtual azimuth gain ameliorates limited physical excursion. This approach expands the potential for seated VR applications, particularly those requiring expansive virtual environments. A pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of RDS, revealing positive user experiences and a perceived increase in the range of virtual rotation.