Demonstration of Petting Interaction with Breathing Cat Using Mid-Air Ultrasound Haptic Feedback

This study introduces a petting interaction system with a virtual breathing cat, utilizing mid-air ultrasound haptic feedback to enhance the realism of pet experiences in virtual reality (VR). Previous research has focused mainly on the tactile presentation of the fur texture, and interaction with realistic virtual animals has not been fully investigated. Therefore, based on the prior work, the proposed system employs airborne ultrasound tactile displays (AUTDs) and a hand tracking camera to deliver real-time, non-contact haptic feedback simulating not only the soft fur texture but also the breathing motion. By dynamically controlling the ultrasound focal point’s position and intensity, the system reproduces the tactile sensations of fur stroking and rhythmic respiratory motion. The visual component features a 3D cat model synchronized with breathing cycles, situated in a familiar domestic setting. User experience design focused on creating a calming interaction, with tactile feedback adjusting based on hand movement patterns. ¹