A Steering Algorithm for Redirected Walking Using Reinforcement Learning

IEEE Trans Vis Comput Graph. 2020 May;26(5):1955-1963. doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2020.2973060. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Abstract

Redirected Walking (RDW) steering algorithms have traditionally relied on human-engineered logic. However, recent advances in reinforcement learning (RL) have produced systems that surpass human performance on a variety of control tasks. This paper investigates the potential of using RL to develop a novel reactive steering algorithm for RDW. Our approach uses RL to train a deep neural network that directly prescribes the rotation, translation, and curvature gains to transform a virtual environment given a user's position and orientation in the tracked space. We compare our learned algorithm to steer-to-center using simulated and real paths. We found that our algorithm outperforms steer-to-center on simulated paths, and found no significant difference on distance traveled on real paths. We demonstrate that when modeled as a continuous control problem, RDW is a suitable domain for RL, and moving forward, our general framework provides a promising path towards an optimal RDW steering algorithm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Graphics
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • Video Games
  • Virtual Reality*
  • Walking / physiology*