Visibility matters during wayfinding in the vertical

AbstractVisibility is the degree to which different parts of the environment can be observed from a given vantage point. In the absence of previous familiarity or signage, the visibility of key elements in a multilevel environment (e.g., the entrance, exit, or the destination itself) becomes a primary input to make wayfinding decisions and avoid getting lost. Previous research has focused on memory-based wayfinding and mental representation of 3D space, but few studies have investigated the direct effects of visibility on wayfinding. Moreover, to our knowledge, there are no studies that have explicitly observed the interaction between visibility and wayfinding under uncertainty in a multilevel environment. To bridge this gap, we studied how the visibility of destinations, as well as the continuity of sight-lines along the vertical dimension, affects unaided and goal-directed wayfinding behavior in a multilevel desktop Virtual Reality (VR) study. We obtained results from a total of 69 participants. Each participant performed a total of 24 wayfinding trials in a multilevel environment. Results showcase a significant and nonlinear correlation between the visibility of destinations and wayfinding behavioral characteristics. Specifically, once the destination was in sight, regardless of whether it was highly or barely visible, participants made an instantaneous decision to switch floors and move up towards the destination. In contrast, if the destination was out-of-sight, participants performed ‘visual exploration’, indicated by an increase in vertical head movements and greater time taken to switch floors. To demonstrate the direct applicability of this fundamental wayfinding behavioral pattern, we formalize these results by modeling a visibility-based cognitive agent. Our results show that by modeling the transition between exploration and exploitation as a function of visibility, cognitive agents were able to replicate human wayfinding patterns observed in the desktop VR study. This simple demonstration shows the potential of extending our main findings concerning the nonlinear relationship between visibility and wayfinding to inform the modeling of human cognition.

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A Constructivist Desktop Virtual Reality-Based Approach to Learning in a Higher Education Institution

Emerging Technologies in Virtual Learning Environments - Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-7987-8.ch013 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 258-283

Author(s):

Serpil Meri-Yilan

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Learning Environment ◽

Language Learning ◽

Education Institution ◽

Constructivist Approach ◽

Approach To Learning ◽

Desktop Virtual Reality ◽

High System ◽

Learner Differences ◽

Desktop Vr

Virtual reality (VR) technology has recently started shaping learning, especially language learning, with the aim of immersing learners into a VR learning environment. However, because of the high system cost of fully immersive VR, desktop VR has been implemented and preferred in educational settings. Based on a constructivist approach, desktop VR has drawn attention to the need for learner autonomy and an authentic VR learning environment. Therefore, this chapter describes empirical research on desktop VR-based learning using a constructivist approach. The research examined university students' interaction and perceptions of learning in this kind of learning environment. Based on the empirical findings gathered from observations and interviews, this chapter has aimed to discuss not only the issues observed both in previous studies and in this chapter, but also additional issues such as scaffolding, self-paced learning, collaboration, and learner differences in order for learning to occur in a well-designed desktop VR learning environment.

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Lessons Learned From Immersive and Desktop VR Training of Mines Rescuers

Frontiers in Virtual Reality ◽

10.3389/frvir.2021.627333 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Shiva Pedram ◽

Richard Skarbez ◽

Stephen Palmisano ◽

Matthew Farrelly ◽

Pascal Perez

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Learning Context ◽

Desktop Virtual Reality ◽

Learning Content ◽

Collective Decisions ◽

Vr Training ◽

Components Analysis ◽

Desktop Vr

This paper discusses results from two successive rounds of virtual mines rescue training. The first round was conducted in a surround projection environment (360-VR), and the second round was conducted in desktop virtual reality (Desktop-VR). In the 360-VR condition, trainees participated as groups, making collective decisions. In the Desktop-VR condition, trainees could control their avatars individually. Overall, 372 participants took part in this study, including 284 mines rescuers who took part in 360-VR, and 243 in Desktop-VR. (155 rescuers experienced both.) Each rescuer who trained in 360-VR completed a battery of pre- and post-training questionnaires. Those who attended the Desktop-VR session only completed the post-training questionnaire. We performed principal components analysis on the questionnaire data, followed by a multiple regression analysis, the results of which suggest that the chief factor contributing to positive learning outcome was Learning Context, which extracted information about the quality of the learning content, the trainers, and their feedback. Subjective feedback from the Desktop-VR participants indicated that they preferred Desktop-VR to 360-VR for this training activity, which highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate platform for training applications, and links back to the importance of Learning Context. Overall, we conclude the following: 1) it is possible to train effectively using a variety of technologies but technology that is well-suited to the training task is more useful than technology that is “more advanced,” and 2) factors that have always been important in training, such as the quality of human trainers, remain critical for virtual reality training.

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A genetic algorithm based optimization framework to visualize, evaluate, and modify 3D space configurations in Desktop VR

International Journal for Simulation and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization ◽

10.1051/smdo/2013004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. A01 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Magesh Chandramouli ◽

Gary R. Bertoline

Keyword(s):

Interior Design ◽

Spatial Configuration ◽

Optimization Procedure ◽

Pareto Optimal ◽

Interior Space ◽

Search Spaces ◽

3D Space ◽

Space Allocation ◽

Spatial Configurations ◽

Desktop Vr

This paper presents the design and implementation of a Desktop VR (Virtual Reality) framework for generating and evaluating Pareto-optimal alternate 3D spatial configurations using GA (genetic algorithms). The 3-tier framework involves the generation of the Pareto-optimal plans using GA which are subsequently visualized first using a Java-based 2D Interface and finally in the form of a 3D VR scene. The search spaces (function domains) are extremely large in today’s multifaceted interior design situations, and the optimization procedure involves conflicting objective functions, and limitations in the form of constraint functions. The interior space allocation problem is formulated and implemented as the “optimal configuration of artifacts”. When using GAs, a group of Pareto-optimal solutions (Pareto set) are available for the planners and decision-makers, wherefrom one solution ought to be picked. Therefore, this study applies a tool to not only visually evaluate the plans, but also to interact with those plans to develop them further if needed. Besides enabling the optimal spatial configuration of the scene elements, this framework also facilitates evaluation and interaction via the 3D VR worlds. The framework aids the proactive exploration, analysis, and finalization of design aspects such as color, size, lighting, etc. of the various elements prior to the actual construction. The results demonstrate the robust performance of the GA and the final 3D VR environment with dynamic interactive capabilities. This final interface facilitates “GA-Compliant” transformations and scene modifications thereby facilitating the exploration and examination of alternative scene configurations.

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Desktop Virtual Reality Applications for Training Personnel of Small Businesses

Virtual Communities ◽

10.4018/978-1-60960-100-3.ch311 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 837-856 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Miguel A. Garcia-Ruiz ◽

Arthur Edwards ◽

Raul Aquino-Santos ◽

Samir El-Seoud ◽

Miguel Vargas Martin

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Second Life ◽

Small Businesses ◽

Past Research ◽

International Markets ◽

Technical Training ◽

Future Trends ◽

Desktop Virtual Reality ◽

Competency Based ◽

Desktop Vr

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in most world economies suffer from a series of intense economic pressures from local, regional and international markets. Although these problems are microeconomic to the small and medium-sized business, they are directly related to macro economic factors, particularly in the case of labor. One of the main pressures small and medium-sized businesses suffer from is the lack of worker technical skills. Past research has consistently shown that virtual reality (VR) can be effective for supporting competency-based training skills. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview on how virtual reality can be used to support technical training in SMBs, including the use of Second Life and DIVE VR platforms. This chapter describes a desktop VR Application for training car mechanics from a small business and highlights advantages and challenges of desktop virtual reality for technical training. Finally, future trends related to the use of VR in training are discussed.

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Head movements during visual exploration of natural images in virtual reality

2017 51st Annual Conference on Information Sciences and Systems (CISS) ◽

10.1109/ciss.2017.7926138 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Brian Hu ◽

Ishmael Johnson-Bey ◽

Mansi Sharma ◽

Ernst Niebur

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Head Movements ◽

Natural Images ◽

Visual Exploration

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Let Me Make You Happy, and I'll Tell You How You Look Around: Using an Approach-Avoidance Task as an Embodied Emotion Prime in a Free-Viewing Task

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.604393 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Artur Czeszumski ◽

Friederike Albers ◽

Sven Walter ◽

Peter König

Keyword(s):

Visual Exploration ◽

Human Cognition ◽

Avoidance Task ◽

Web Pages ◽

Emotional States ◽

Saccade Length ◽

Free Viewing ◽

Priming Phase ◽

Visual Interaction ◽

Approach Avoidance

The embodied approach of human cognition suggests that concepts are deeply dependent upon and constrained by an agent's physical body's characteristics, such as performed body movements. In this study, we attempted to broaden previous research on emotional priming, investigating the interaction of emotions and visual exploration. We used the joystick-based approach-avoidance task to influence the emotional states of participants, and subsequently, we presented pictures of news web pages on a computer screen and measured participant's eye movements. As a result, the number of fixations on images increased, the total dwell time increased, and the average saccade length from outside of the images toward the images decreased after the bodily congruent priming phase. The combination of these effects suggests increased attention to web pages' image content after the participants performed bodily congruent actions in the priming phase. Thus, congruent bodily interaction with images in the priming phase fosters visual interaction in the subsequent exploration phase.

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Desktop Virtual Reality Applications for Training Personnel of Small Businesses

Virtual Environments for Corporate Education - Advances in Higher Education and Professional Development ◽

10.4018/978-1-61520-619-3.ch005 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 69-88

Author(s):

Miguel A. Garcia-Ruiz ◽

Arthur Edwards ◽

Raul Aquino-Santos ◽

Samir El-Seoud ◽

Miguel Vargas Martin

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Second Life ◽

Small Businesses ◽

Past Research ◽

International Markets ◽

Technical Training ◽

Future Trends ◽

Desktop Virtual Reality ◽

Competency Based ◽

Desktop Vr

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The Mobile User’s Mindset in a Permanently Online, Permanently Connected Society

The Oxford Handbook of Mobile Communication and Society ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190864385.013.4 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 53-67

Author(s):

Peter Vorderer ◽

Christoph Klimmt

Keyword(s):

Electronic Devices ◽

Behavioral Pattern ◽

Turn Of The Century ◽

Human Cognition ◽

It Impacts ◽

Short Period ◽

The Individual ◽

And Behavior

Since the turn of the century—and that means, in an extremely short period of time—a new and dominant behavioral pattern has emerged in technology-saturated countries and cultures: the almost constant use of mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops in a great diversity of different situations. This chapter discusses the role that the proliferation and use of mobile and particularly of smartphones has had on the development of a particular mindset. This mindset is described as one of almost permanent psychological vigilance, and it impacts human cognition, affect, and behavior in significant ways. The authors describe consequences on the individual, collective, and societal levels.

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Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Painting Art Exhibitions Appreciation

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10093012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 3012 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chih-Long Lin ◽

Si-Jing Chen ◽

Rungtai Lin

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Art Appreciation ◽

Object Size ◽

Art Exhibitions ◽

Head Mounted Display ◽

Desktop Virtual Reality ◽

Wide Range ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Desktop Vr

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been employed in a wide range of fields, from entertainment to medicine and engineering. Advances in VR also provide new opportunities in art exhibitions. This study discusses the experience of art appreciation through desktop virtual reality (Desktop VR) or head-mounted display virtual reality (HMD VR) and compares it with appreciating a physical painting. Seventy-eight university students participated in the study. According to the findings of this study, painting evaluation and the emotions expressed during the appreciation show no significant difference under these three conditions, indicating that the participants believe that paintings, regardless of whether they are viewed through VR, are similar. Owing to the limitation of the operation, the participants considered HMD VR to be a tool that hinders free appreciation of paintings. In addition, attention should be paid to the proper projected size of words and paintings for better reading and viewing. The above indicates that through digital technology, we can shorten the gap between a virtual painting and a physical one; however, we must still improve the design of object size and the interaction in the VR context so that a virtual exhibition can be as impressive as a physical one.

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