Real and Illusory Interactions Enhance Presence in Virtual Environments

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Regenbrecht ◽  
Thomas Schubert
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Mental Representation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Component Model ◽  
Spatial Presence ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Actual Interaction

It has long been argued that the possibility to interact in and with a virtual environment (VE) enhances the sense of presence. On the basis of a three-component model of presence, we specify this hypothesis and argue that the mental representation of possible actions should especially enhance spatial presence, and to a lesser extent the involvement and realness of a VE. We support this hypothesis in three studies. A correlative study showed that self-reported interaction possibilities correlated significantly with spatial presence, but not with the other two factors. A first experimental study showed that possible self-movement significantly increased spatial presence and realness. A second experimental study showed that even the illusion of interaction, with no actual interaction taking place, significantly increased spatial presence.

The sense of presence in virtual environments:

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Schubert
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Spatial Presence ◽  
Component Structure ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Being There ◽  
Measure Sense

Abstract. The sense of presence is the feeling of being there in a virtual environment. A three-component self report scale to measure sense of presence is described, the components being sense of spatial presence, involvement, and realness. This three-component structure was developed in a survey study with players of 3D games (N = 246) and replicated in a second survey study (N = 296); studies using the scale for measuring the effects of interaction on presence provide evidence for validity. The findings are explained by the Potential Action Coding Theory of presence, which assumes that presence develops from mental model building and suppression of the real environment.

Presence within Virtual Environments as a Function of Visual Display Parameters

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Hendrix ◽  
Woodrow Barfield
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Visual Image ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Field Of View ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
The Third ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Being There

This paper reports the results of three studies, each of which investigated the sense of presence within virtual environments as a function of visual display parameters. These factors included the presence or absence of head tracking, the presence or absence of stereoscopic cues, and the geometric field of view used to create the visual image projected on the visual display. In each study, subjects navigated a virtual environment and completed a questionnaire designed to ascertain the level of presence experienced by the participant within the virtual world. Specifically, two aspects of presence were evaluated: (1) the sense of “being there” and (2) the fidelity of the interaction between the virtual environment participant and the virtual world. Not surprisingly, the results of the first and second study indicated that the reported level of presence was significantly higher when head tracking and stereoscopic cues were provided. The results from the third study showed that the geometric field of view used to design the visual display highly influenced the reported level of presence, with more presence associated with a 50 and 90° geometric field of view when compared to a narrower 10° geometric field of view. The results also indicated a significant positive correlation between the reported level of presence and the fidelity of the interaction between the virtual environment participant and the virtual world. Finally, it was shown that the survey questions evaluating several aspects of presence produced reliable responses across questions and studies, indicating that the questionnaire is a useful tool when evaluating presence in virtual environments.

The Effect of the Agency and Anthropomorphism on Users' Sense of Telepresence, Copresence, and Social Presence in Virtual Environments

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine L. Nowak ◽  
Frank Biocca
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
The Other ◽  
Virtual Image ◽  
Computer Controlled ◽  
Set Up

We report on an experiment that examined the influence of anthropomorphism and perceived agency on presence, copresence, and social presence in a virtual environment. The experiment varied the level of anthropomorphism of the image of interactants: high anthropomorphism, low anthropomorphism, or no image. Perceived agency was manipulated by telling the participants that the image was either an avatar controlled by a human, or an agent controlled by a computer. The results support the prediction that people respond socially to both human and computer-controlled entities, and that the existence of a virtual image increases tele-presence. Participants interacting with the less-anthropomorphic image reported more copresence and social presence than those interacting with partners represented by either no image at all or by a highly anthropomorphic image of the other, indicating that the more anthropomorphic images set up higher expectations that lead to reduced presence when these expectations were not met.

The Sense of Presence within Auditory Virtual Environments

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Hendrix ◽  
Woodrow Barfield
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Sound Source ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Auditory Display ◽  
Auditory Cues ◽  
Navigation Task ◽  
Perceived Realism ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Survey Questions

Two studies were performed to investigate the sense of presence within stereoscopic virtual environments as a function of the addition or absence of auditory cues. The first study examined the presence or absence of spatialized sound, while the second study compared the use of nonspatialized sound to spatialized sound. Sixteen subjects were allowed to navigate freely throughout several virtual environments and for each virtual environment, their level of presence, the virtual world realism, and interactivity between the participant and virtual environment were evaluated using survey questions. The results indicated that the addition of spatialized sound significantly increased the sense of presence but not the realism of the virtual environment. Despite this outcome, the addition of a spatialized sound source significantly increased the realism with which the subjects interacted with the sound source, and significantly increased the sense that sounds emanated from specific locations within the virtual environment. The results suggest that, in the context of a navigation task, while presence in virtual environments can be improved by the addition of auditory cues, the perceived realism of a virtual environment may be influenced more by changes in the visual rather than auditory display media. Implications of these results for presence within auditory virtual environments are discussed.

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise in Immersive Virtual Environments on Cortical Neural Oscillations and Mental State

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Vogt ◽  
Rainer Herpers ◽  
Christopher D. Askew ◽  
David Scherfgen ◽  
Heiko K. Strüder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Environment Exposure

Virtual reality environments are increasingly being used to encourage individuals to exercise more regularly, including as part of treatment those with mental health or neurological disorders. The success of virtual environments likely depends on whether a sense of presence can be established, where participants become fully immersed in the virtual environment. Exposure to virtual environments is associated with physiological responses, including cortical activation changes. Whether the addition of a real exercise within a virtual environment alters sense of presence perception, or the accompanying physiological changes, is not known. In a randomized and controlled study design, moderate-intensity Exercise (i.e., self-paced cycling) and No-Exercise (i.e., automatic propulsion) trials were performed within three levels of virtual environment exposure. Each trial was 5 minutes in duration and was followed by posttrial assessments of heart rate, perceived sense of presence, EEG, and mental state. Changes in psychological strain and physical state were generally mirrored by neural activation patterns. Furthermore, these changes indicated that exercise augments the demands of virtual environment exposures and this likely contributed to an enhanced sense of presence.

Considering multiscale scenes to elucidate problems encumbering three-dimensional intellection and navigation

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Glueck ◽  
Azam Khan
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Mental Representation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Iterative Refinement ◽  
Abstract Model ◽  
Interaction Techniques ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Geometrically Complex ◽  
Relationship Of

AbstractVirtual three-dimensional (3-D) environments have become pervasive tools in a number of professional and recreational tasks. However, interacting with these environments can be challenging for users, especially as these environments increase in complexity and scale. In this paper, we argue that the design of 3-D interaction techniques is an ill-defined problem. This claim is elucidated through the context of data-rich and geometrically complex multiscale virtual 3-D environments, where unexpected factors can encumber intellection and navigation. We develop an abstract model to guide our discussion, which illustrates the cyclic relationship of understanding and navigating; a relationship that supports the iterative refinement of a consistent mental representation of the virtual environment. Finally, we highlight strategies to support the design of interactions in multiscale virtual environments, and propose general categories of research focus.

Presence in Text-Based Networked Virtual Environments or “MUDS”

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Towell ◽  
Elizabeth Towell
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Networked Virtual Environments ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Networked Virtual Environment ◽  
Being There ◽  
Anecdotal Information

A text-based networked virtual environment represents to a user a system of rooms joined by exits and entrances. When navigating this system of rooms, a user can communicate in real time with other connected users occupying the same room. Hence, these virtual environments are aptly suited for networked conferencing and teaching. Anecdotal information suggested that some people feel a sense of “being there” or presence when connected to one of these environments. To determine how many people feel this sense of presence, we surveyed 207 people from 6 different groups of users of text-based networked virtual environments. The results indicated that 69% of these subjects felt a sense of presence. Experiments with people in text-based networked virtual environments may be helpful in understanding the contribution to presence by social interaction in other virtual environments.

Perception of Motion Trajectory as a Spatial Concepts Activity for Children

2011 ◽  
Vol 187 ◽  
pp. 332-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien Yu Lin ◽  
Pi Hsia Hung ◽  
Yen Huai Jen ◽  
Chien Chi Lin
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environment ◽  
3D Models ◽  
The Other ◽  
Reference Object ◽  
Motion Trajectory ◽  
Conceptual Tool ◽  
Spatial Concepts ◽  
Spatial Sense ◽  
Two Factors

This study proposes to develop a best treatment interface of motion trajectory as a construct for children to build up their sense of spatiality. There are 30 children from kindergarten participate in this research. There are two factors in the study, first is the “leading object” and the other is the “reference object”, and each factor contains two levels, hence, there are four treatments in this experiment. This research uses “maze” as a spatial sense conceptual tool, and the maze is constructed by 3D models as a virtual environment. The focus of this research is to find out the best treatment and does not cause cognitive burden on children in the meantime. The result of this research is that the best tr eatment of motion trajectory depends on the treatment of “leading object” with “reference object” for children when they grab spatial concepts.

Combining EEG Data with Place and Plausibility Responses as an Approach to Measuring Presence in Outdoor Virtual Environments

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
António Sérgio Azevedo ◽  
Joaquim Jorge ◽  
Pedro Campos
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Human Intervention ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Eeg Data ◽  
Physical Modalities

Outdoor virtual environments (OVEs) are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow a sense of presence in places that are inaccessible or protected from human intervention. These virtual environments (VEs) need to address physical modalities other than vision and hearing. We analyze the influence of four different physical modalities (vision, hearing, haptics, and olfaction) on the sense of presence on a virtual journey through the sea and the Laurissilva Forest of Funchal, Portugal. We applied Slater et al.'s (2010) method together with data gathered by the Emotiv EPOC EEG in an OVE setting. In such a setting, the combination of haptics and hearing are more important than the typical virtual environment (vision and hearing) in terms of place and plausibility illusions. Our analysis is particularly important for designers interested in crafting similar VEs because we classify different physical modalities according to their importance in enhancing presence.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study of Sense of Presence of Virtual Reality and Immersive Environments

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max M. North ◽  
Sarah M. North
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
Virtual Reality Environment ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Environment Simulation ◽  
Immersive Environment ◽  
Tracking Device

The study of sense of presence experienced in virtual reality environments has become an important area of research. The continued advancement of immersive technology offers more opportunities to examine how a subject becomes immersed in and interacts with a variety of virtual environments. The primary purpose of this research is to study the sense of presence while interacting with a traditional Virtual Reality Environment (Helmet-based system with a Head-tracking device) and compare it with a virtual reality environment using an Immersive Environment (Spherical-based Visualization environment). Two empirical experiments were investigated in this study, each consisting of thirty-five subjects. A virtual airplane scenario was created and simulated for the participants of both environments. Participants were given several questionnaires after completing the simulation. This study mainly focused on question 9 and 10 of that survey, which dealt with how much the participant felt present in the virtual environment, and if the presence of the real world could still be experienced while in the virtual environment. We found that the subjects felt more involved with the virtual environment while using the Immersive Environment simulation versus using the traditional helmet-based Virtual Reality Environment. There was a statistically significant difference in questions 9 and 10 between the Immersive Environment and traditional Virtual Reality Environment when those questions are considered in isolation. However there was not a significant difference in the total sense of presence between the two environments after analyzing the questions together. The primary differences between the questions were analyzed using the overall mean and the standard deviation. The Immersive Environment has a smaller deviation than the traditional Virtual Reality Environment, implying that the sense of presence response is more concentrated. However, the overall results demonstrate that both environments are almost equally effective, with the Immersive Environment having several slight advantages.

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