Abstract
Recently, the advancement of virtual reality (VR) technology has led to its increased utilization in the field of education. Particularly, experimental practices in primary and secondary education play an important role in enhancing students’ interest and understanding. Applying VR technology to these practices enables the simulation of situations that are difficult to reproduce in real life while maintaining experiential learning effects. On the other hand， to implement VR in educational settings, it is crucial to develop devices that do not depend on media literacy and to provide highly immersive experiences that combine enjoyment and richness. In this study, we developed the Thermal Grip VR Controller (TGV-C), which incorporates a peltier module-based heating and cooling presentation system and an intuitive input system using a bending sensor. The temperature presentation positions are the pads of the thumb and index finger, and the input operation is performed using the bending sensor of the middle finger. Evaluation of users’ reaction speed to the TGV-C’s temperature change function revealed a delay of 5.27 seconds for warm sensation presentation and 2.28 seconds for cold sensation presentation. Furthermore, comparative verification with an existing controller (Meta Quest Touch Plus controller: MQT-C) indicated that the TGV-C enhances the sense of immersion and presence in VR experiences while reducing physical fatigue during use. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of production costs and design. Moving forward, it is necessary to consider the application to VR chemical experiments and to conduct efficacy verification for various user attributes, with a view to applying the TGV-C in the field of education.
