scholarly journals Virtual memory palaces: immersion aids recall

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Krokos ◽  
Catherine Plaisant ◽  
Amitabh Varshney
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Memory ◽  
Memory Recall ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
Spatial Awareness ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Salient Features ◽  
Superior Memory

Abstract Virtual reality displays, such as head-mounted displays (HMD), afford us a superior spatial awareness by leveraging our vestibular and proprioceptive senses, as compared to traditional desktop displays. Since classical times, people have used memory palaces as a spatial mnemonic to help remember information by organizing it spatially and associating it with salient features in that environment. In this paper, we explore whether using virtual memory palaces in a head-mounted display with head-tracking (HMD condition) would allow a user to better recall information than when using a traditional desktop display with a mouse-based interaction (desktop condition). We found that virtual memory palaces in HMD condition provide a superior memory recall ability compared to the desktop condition. We believe this is a first step in using virtual environments for creating more memorable experiences that enhance productivity through better recall of large amounts of information organized using the idea of virtual memory palaces.

Development of a Low-Cost Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display Prototype

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Thiago D'Angelo ◽  
Saul Emanuel Delabrida Silva ◽  
Ricardo A. R. Oliveira ◽  
Antonio A. F. Loureiro
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
User Interaction ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Time Performance ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Head Mounted Displays

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) have been emerging in the last years. These technologies sound like the new hot topic for the next years. Head-Mounted Displays have been developed for many different purposes. Users have the opportunity to enjoy these technologies for entertainment, work tasks, and many other daily activities. Despite the recent release of many AR and VR HMDs, two major problems are hindering the AR HMDs from reaching the mainstream market: the extremely high costs and the user experience issues. In order to minimize these problems, we have developed an AR HMD prototype based on a smartphone and on other low-cost materials. The prototype is capable of running Eye Tracking algorithms, which can be used to improve user interaction and user experience. To assess our AR HMD prototype, we choose a state-of-the-art method for eye center location found in the literature and evaluate its real-time performance in different development boards.

scholarly journals Correcting Drift, Head and Body Misalignments between Virtual and Real Humans

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Vitor Reus ◽  
Márcio Mello ◽  
Luciana Nedel ◽  
Anderson Maciel
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Incremental Information ◽  
Ms Kinect ◽  
Head Rotations

Head-mounted displays (HMD) allow a personal and immersive viewing of virtual environments, and can be used with almost any desktop computer. Most HMDs have inertial sensors embedded for tracking the user head rotations. These low-cost sensors have high quality and availability. However, even if they are very sensitive and precise, inertial sensors work with incremental information, easily introducing errors in the system. The most relevant is that head tracking suffers from drifting. In this paper we present important limitations that still prevent the wide use of inertial sensors for tracking. For instance, to compensate for the drifting, users of HMD-based immersive VEs move away from their suitable pose. We also propose a software solution for two problems: prevent the occurrence of drifting in incremental sensors, and avoid the user from move its body in relation to another tracking system that uses absolute sensors (e.g. MS Kinect). We analyze and evaluate our solutions experimentally, including user tests. Results show that our comfortable pose function is effective on eliminating drifting, and that it can be inverted and applied also to prevent the user from moving their body away of the absolute sensor range. The efficiency and accuracy of this method makes it suitable for a number of applications in immersive VR.

scholarly journals Real-Time Application for Generating Multiple Experiences from 360° Panoramic Video by Tracking Arbitrary Objects and Viewer’s Orientations

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2248
Author(s):  
Syed Hammad Hussain Shah ◽  
Kyungjin Han ◽  
Jong Weon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
User Study ◽  
Limited Area ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Panoramic Video ◽  
Interesting Object ◽  
Technical Evaluation ◽  
Arbitrary Objects

We propose a novel authoring and viewing system for generating multiple experiences with a single 360° video and efficiently transferring these experiences to the user. An immersive video contains much more interesting information within the 360° environment than normal videos. There can be multiple interesting areas within a 360° frame at the same time. Due to the narrow field of view in virtual reality head-mounted displays, a user can only view a limited area of a 360° video. Hence, our system is aimed at generating multiple experiences based on interesting information in different regions of a 360° video and efficient transferring of these experiences to prospective users. The proposed system generates experiences by using two approaches: (1) Recording of the user’s experience when the user watches a panoramic video using a virtual reality head-mounted display, and (2) tracking of an arbitrary interesting object in a 360° video selected by the user. For tracking of an arbitrary interesting object, we have developed a pipeline around an existing simple object tracker to adapt it for 360° videos. This tracking algorithm was performed in real time on a CPU with high precision. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such existing system that can generate a variety of different experiences from a single 360° video and enable the viewer to watch one 360° visual content from various interesting perspectives in immersive virtual reality. Furthermore, we have provided an adaptive focus assistance technique for efficient transferring of the generated experiences to other users in virtual reality. In this study, technical evaluation of the system along with a detailed user study has been performed to assess the system’s application. Findings from evaluation of the system showed that a single 360° multimedia content has the capability of generating multiple experiences and transfers among users. Moreover, sharing of the 360° experiences enabled viewers to watch multiple interesting contents with less effort.

scholarly journals Development and Calibration of an Eye-Tracking Fixation Identification Algorithm for Immersive Virtual Reality

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4956
Author(s):  
Jose Llanes-Jurado ◽  
Javier Marín-Morales ◽  
Jaime Guixeres ◽  
Mariano Alcañiz
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Identification Algorithm ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Gaze Patterns ◽  
Head Mounted Displays

Fixation identification is an essential task in the extraction of relevant information from gaze patterns; various algorithms are used in the identification process. However, the thresholds used in the algorithms greatly affect their sensitivity. Moreover, the application of these algorithm to eye-tracking technologies integrated into head-mounted displays, where the subject’s head position is unrestricted, is still an open issue. Therefore, the adaptation of eye-tracking algorithms and their thresholds to immersive virtual reality frameworks needs to be validated. This study presents the development of a dispersion-threshold identification algorithm applied to data obtained from an eye-tracking system integrated into a head-mounted display. Rules-based criteria are proposed to calibrate the thresholds of the algorithm through different features, such as number of fixations and the percentage of points which belong to a fixation. The results show that distance-dispersion thresholds between 1–1.6° and time windows between 0.25–0.4 s are the acceptable range parameters, with 1° and 0.25 s being the optimum. The work presents a calibrated algorithm to be applied in future experiments with eye-tracking integrated into head-mounted displays and guidelines for calibrating fixation identification algorithms

scholarly journals Virtual reality relaxation for the general population: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Riches ◽  
Lisa Azevedo ◽  
Leanne Bird ◽  
Sara Pisani ◽  
Lucia Valmaggia
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
General Population ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Promising Area ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Purpose Relaxation has significant restorative properties and implications for public health. However, modern, busy lives leave limiting time for relaxation. Virtual reality (VR) experiences of pleasant and calming virtual environments, accessed with a head-mounted display (HMD), appear to promote relaxation. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of studies that use VR to promote relaxation in the general population (PROSPERO 195,804). Methods Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched until 29th June 2020. Studies were included in the review if they used HMD technology to present virtual environments that aimed to promote or measure relaxation, or relaxation-related variables. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool was used to assess methodological quality of studies. Results 6403 articles were identified through database searching. Nineteen studies published between 2007 and 2020, with 1278 participants, were included in the review. Of these, thirteen were controlled studies. Studies predominantly used natural audio-visual stimuli to promote relaxation. Findings indicate feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR to increase relaxation and reduce stress. Six studies received an EPHPP rating of ‘strong’, seven were ‘moderate’, and six were ‘weak’. Conclusions VR may be a useful tool to promote relaxation in the general population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stress is increasing worldwide. However, methodological limitations, such as limited randomised controlled trials and longer-term evidence, mean that these conclusions should be drawn with caution. More robust studies are needed to support this promising area of VR relaxation.

Effects of Stereo Viewing Conditions on Distance Perception in Virtual Environments

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Willemsen ◽  
Amy A. Gooch ◽  
William B. Thompson ◽  
Sarah H. Creem-Regehr
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Distance Perception ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Monocular Viewing ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Stereo Imagery ◽  
Distance Judgments

Several studies from different research groups investigating perception of absolute, egocentric distances in virtual environments have reported a compression of the intended size of the virtual space. One potential explanation for the compression is that inaccuracies and cue conflicts involving stereo viewing conditions in head mounted displays result in an inaccurate absolute scaling of the virtual world. We manipulate stereo viewing conditions in a head mounted display and show the effects of using both measured and fixed inter-pupilary distances, as well as bi-ocular and monocular viewing of graphics, on absolute distance judgments. Our results indicate that the amount of compression of distance judgments is unaffected by these manipulations. The equivalent performance with stereo, bi-ocular, and monocular viewing suggests that the limitations on the presentation of stereo imagery that are inherent in head mounted displays are likely not the source of distance compression reported in previous virtual environment studies.

Egocentric Distance Perception: A Comparative Study Investigating Differences Between Real and Virtual Environments

Perception ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 940-967
Author(s):  
Ilja T. Feldstein ◽  
Felix M. Kölsch ◽  
Robert Konrad
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Distance Perception ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Egocentric Distance ◽  
The Real ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Depth Analysis

Virtual reality systems are a popular tool in behavioral sciences. The participants’ behavior is, however, a response to cognitively processed stimuli. Consequently, researchers must ensure that virtually perceived stimuli resemble those present in the real world to ensure the ecological validity of collected findings. Our article provides a literature review relating to distance perception in virtual reality. Furthermore, we present a new study that compares verbal distance estimates within real and virtual environments. The virtual space—a replica of a real outdoor area—was displayed using a state-of-the-art head-mounted display. Investigated distances ranged from 8 to 13 m. Overall, the results show no significant difference between egocentric distance estimates in real and virtual environments. However, a more in-depth analysis suggests that the order in which participants were exposed to the two environments may affect the outcome. Furthermore, the study suggests that a rising experience of immersion leads to an alignment of the estimated virtual distances with the real ones. The results also show that the discrepancy between estimates of real and virtual distances increases with the incongruity between virtual and actual eye heights, demonstrating the importance of an accurately set virtual eye height.

scholarly journals Diffusion of Innovation: Case of Co-Design of Cabins in Mobile Work Machine Industry

Computers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asko Ellman ◽  
Tarja Tiainen
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Virtual Reality Technology ◽  
Virtual Technology ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation Theory ◽  
Mobile Work ◽  
The Social ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Machine Industry

This paper describes the development of using virtual reality for work content in one application area over a decade. Virtual reality technology has developed rapidly; from walk-in CAVE-like virtual environments to head-mounted displays within a decade. In this paper, the development is studied through the lens of diffusion of innovation theory, which focuses not only on innovation itself, but also on the social system. The development of virtual technology is studied by one case, which is cabin design in the mobile work machine industry. This design process has been especially suitable for using virtual reality technology.

Amplifying Head Movements with Head-Mounted Displays

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Jay ◽  
Roger Hubbold
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Search Task ◽  
Visual Search Task ◽  
Head Movements ◽  
Human Vision ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Virtual Display

The head-mounted display (HMD) is a popular form of virtual display due to its ability to immerse users visually in virtual environments (VEs). Unfortunately, the user's virtual experience is compromised by the narrow field of view (FOV) it affords, which is less than half that of normal human vision. This paper explores a solution to some of the problems caused by the narrow FOV by amplifying the head movement made by the user when wearing an HMD, so that the view direction changes by a greater amount in the virtual world than it does in the real world. Tests conducted on the technique show a significant improvement in performance on a visual search task, and questionnaire data indicate that the altered visual parameters that the user receives may be preferable to those in the baseline condition in which amplification of movement was not implemented. The tests also show that the user cannot interact normally with the VE if corresponding body movements are not amplified to the same degree as head movements, which may limit the implementation's versatility. Although not suitable for every application, the technique shows promise, and alterations to aspects of the implementation could extend its use in the future.

scholarly journals Using Visual Guides to Reduce Virtual Reality Sickness in First-Person Shooter Games: Correlation Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwang-Ho Seok ◽  
YeolHo Kim ◽  
Wookho Son ◽  
Yoon Sang Kim
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Rest Frame ◽  
First Person ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
Game Controller ◽  
Visual Background ◽  
Head Mounted Displays ◽  
Tracking Direction ◽  
Visual Element ◽  
First Person Shooter

BACKGROUND The virtual reality (VR) content market is rapidly growing due to an increased supply of VR devices such as head-mounted displays (HMDs), whereas VR sickness (reported to occur while experiencing VR) remains an unsolved problem. The most widely used method of reducing VR sickness is the use of a rest frame that stabilizes the user's viewpoint by providing fixed visual stimuli in VR content (including video). However, the earth-fixed grid and natural independent visual background that are widely used as rest frames cannot maintain VR fidelity, as they reduce the immersion and the presence of the user. A visual guide is a visual element (eg, a crosshair of first-person shooter [FPS]) that induces a user's gaze movement within the VR content while maintaining VR fidelity, whereas there are no studies on the correlation of visual guide with VR sickness. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the correlation between VR sickness and crosshair, which is widely used as a visual guide in FPS games. METHODS Eight experimental scenarios were designed and evaluated, including having the visual guide on/off, the game controller on/off, and varying the size and position of the visual guide to determine the effect of visual guide on VR sickness. RESULTS The results showed that VR sickness significantly decreased when visual guide was applied in an FPS game. In addition, VR sickness was lower when the visual guide was adjusted to 30% of the aspect ratio and positioned in the head-tracking direction. CONCLUSIONS The experimental results of this study indicate that the visual guide can achieve VR sickness reduction while maintaining user presence and immersion in the virtual environment. In other words, the use of a visual guide is expected to solve the existing limitation of distributing various types of content due to VR sickness.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document