DEVELOPMENT OF A GLOVE CONTROLLER WITH BIOFEEDBACK OF VIRTUAL REALITY BASED ON AN ELECTROPNEUMATIC DRIVE

Background. In modern virtual reality controllers, the feedback system remains underdeveloped and, as a rule, is limited only to vibration responses. This problem prevents the user from fully immersing himself in virtual scenes, as it does not provide an adequate understanding of the interaction between a person and objects in the virtual world. Materials and methods. The analysis of existing solutions for the implementation of a biofeedback system in virtual reality is carried out. Based on the identified advantages and disadvantages, an electronically controlled pneumatic actuator was selected. The necessary sensors and actuators have been identified for the correct operation of the system. Various types of sensors are considered, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Results. As a result of the analysis, the key components for the implementation of the system were selected: an air compressor, pneumatic two-position valves and their variants were selected. A suitable microcontroller with the ability to expand functionality through built-in modules has been identified, and the type of sensor for determining the position of fingers has been selected. Conclusions. The proposed technical solution can find wide application not only in the gaming industry, but also in the rehabilitation of patients with impaired motor functions of the hands due to injuries, strokes, diseases or aging.