Virtual reality (VR)-based motor therapy is an emerging approach in neurorehabilitation. The combination of VR with electroencephalography (EEG) presents further opportunities to improve therapeutic efficacy by personalizing the paradigm. Specifically, the idea is to synchronize the choice and timing of stimuli in the perceived virtual world with fluctuating brain states relevant to motor behavior

This study extends the previous research in which it has been shown that a mixed reality (MR) system fosters social interaction behaviours (SIBs) in children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). When comparing this system to a LEGO-based non-digital intervention, it has been observed that an MR system effectively mediates a face-to-face play session between a child with ASC and a child without ASC

We present NapWell, a Sleep Assistant using virtual reality (VR) to decrease sleep onset latency by providing a realistic imagery distraction prior to sleep onset. Our proposed prototype was built using commercial hardware and with relatively low cost, making it replicable for future works as well as paving the way for more low cost EOG-VR devices for sleep assistance. We conducted a user study (\(n=

Head-mounted display (HMD)-based virtual reality (VR) is ideally suited for presence and generating compelling visual experiences of self-motion, but users can suffer from side effects associated with head-to-display lag. We used the Oculus Rift HMD (consumer release – CV1) to simulate forward self-motion in depth. Observers made continuous yaw head movements at approximately 0.5 Hz or 1.0 Hz while

Volume rendering produces informative two-dimensional (2D) images from a 3-dimensional (3D) volume. It highlights the region of interest and facilitates a good comprehension of the entire data set. However, volume rendering faces a few challenges. First, a high-dimensional transfer function is usually required to differentiate the target from its neighboring objects with subtle variance. Unfortunately

The lateral ventricle puncture is an important step of external ventricular drain. It is one of the most basic but challenging skills that must be mastered by physicians. For improving the lateral ventricle puncture skill, a novel virtual reality simulation training system equipped with haptic feedback was developed in this paper. A series of experiments and questionnaires were conducted to evaluate

Prospective Memory (PM) is the ability to remember to do something in the future. It is often impaired after stroke and can impact on an individual’s level of independence and daily functioning. PM tasks have been criticized for their lack of ecological validity wherein test results may not be related to actual performance in daily life. With ecological validity in mind, the Virtual Reality Prospective

Recent studies have indicated that facial electromyogram (fEMG)-based facial-expression recognition (FER) systems are promising alternatives to the conventional camera-based FER systems for virtual reality (VR) environments because they are economical, do not depend on the ambient lighting, and can be readily incorporated into existing VR headsets. In our previous study, we applied a Riemannian manifold-based

A head-mounted display cannot cover an angle of visual field as wide as that of natural view (out-of-view problem). To enhance the visual cognition of an immersive environment, previous studies have developed various guidance designs that visualize the location or direction of items presented in the users’ surroundings. However, two issues regarding the guidance effects remain unresolved: How are the

In recent years, research has found that people have stable predispositions to engage in certain behavioural patterns to work safely or unsafely, which vary among individuals as a function of their personality features. In this regard, an innovative machine learning model has been recently developed to predict workers’ behavioural tendency based on personality factors. This paper presents an empirical

There are reasons to consider virtual reality (VR) as a newly arrived communication medium that ought to be differentiated from all other forms of mediated communication, since it is the first and only medium with the potential to enable incorporation of the full spectrum of both verbal and non-verbal cues. The present paper is part of a broader scheme in investigating potential differentiations in

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to promote motor (re)learning in healthy users and brain-injured patients. However, in current VR-based motor training, movements of the users performed in a three-dimensional space are usually visualized on computer screens, televisions, or projection systems, which lack depth cues (2D screen), and thus, display information using only monocular depth cues.

The feeling of ownership of a virtual body has been a topic of interest in recent years. In order to observe the mechanisms involved in the perception of the body illusion and its manipulation, the use of virtual reality (VR) has been essential. Various technical VR set-ups have been adopted by different authors to induce the sense of embodiment. Recently, 360-degree technology camera emerged as an

Cognitive deficits are a core feature of mental and behavioral disorders, leading to poor treatment adherence and functionality. Virtual reality (VR) methodologies are promising solutions for cognitive interventions in psychiatry once they provide greater ecological validity. This study assessed and compared two content-equivalent cognitive training (CT) interventions, delivered in desktop VR (Reh@City

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-021-00545-y

Fitting an elegant 3D garment model onto a target 3D human model is crucial for garment design industry and virtual try-on systems. The alignment of the garment onto virtual try-on systems is currently the main limitation to propose an efficient virtual try-on system without use of reference body. We propose a new system of fitting a given garment onto a target human body with various shapes and postures

Virtual reality technologies (VRTs) are high-tech human–computer interfaces used to develop digital content and can be applied to multiple different areas, often offering innovative solutions to existing problems. A wide range of digital games is being also developed with VRTs and together with their components, the games' structural elements are appealing to children and engaging them more in virtual

Physical rehabilitation has been widely used to restore or maintain motor capabilities of patients with upper-limb mobility limitations. Despite its effectiveness, physical rehabilitation has several difficulties in engaging patients with the multiple therapeutical sessions required to obtain measurable benefits. Novel technologies incorporate gamification strategies to encourage participants to play

Virtual reality (VR) may be useful during rehabilitation of service members with persistent vestibular impairment following concussion. Thirty-eight active duty US military service members with persistent balance impairment resulting from concussion were randomized into three groups [Conventional Vestibular Physical Therapy (CVPT, n = 13), Virtual Reality Vestibular Physical Therapy (VRVPT, n = 12)

The first-person perspective (1PP) and third-person perspective (3PP) have both been adopted in video games. The 1PP can induce a strong sense of immersion, and the 3PP allows players to perceive distances easily. Virtual reality technologies have also adopted both perspectives to facilitate skill acquisition. However, how 1PP and 3PP views affect motor skills in the real world, as opposed to in games

Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is a growing technological field, which gradually becomes integrated into existing programs. However, technology has to support human behavior and -needs, including social relatedness, to achieve health-related outcomes. Elderly people have high risk of loneliness, and VR has technological affinity for natural social interaction. Previous studies have relied

Real chemical experiments may be dangerous or pollute the environment; meanwhile, the preparation of drugs and reagents is time-consuming. Due to the above-mentioned reasons, few experiments can be actually operated by students, which is not conducive to the chemistry learning and the phenomena principle understanding. Recently, due to the impact of Covid-19, many schools adopt online teaching, which

The depth perception of human visual system is divergent between virtual and real space; this depth discrepancy affects the spatial judgment of the user in a virtual space, which means the user cannot precisely locate their self-position in a virtual space. Existing localization methods ignore the depth discrepancy and only concentrate on increasing location accuracy in real space. Thus, the discrepancy

Anxiety disorders comprise different clinical conditions that affect individuals in their personal, professional and social domains. The development of new intervention approaches for the treatment of anxiety disorders is crucial. As a step forward into promoting the well-being through adaptive physiological responses, we developed an augmented reality (AR)-based system using bio-cybernetic loops to

Virtual reality (VR) is being researched and incorporated into curricula and training programs to expand educational opportunities and enhance learning across many fields. Although researchers are exploring the learning affordances associated with VR, research surrounding students’ perceptions of the technology, and intentions to use it for training has been neglected. The goal of this research was

Auditory hallucinations are common and distressing symptoms of the schizophrenia disease. It is commonly treated with pharmacological approaches but, unfortunately, such an approach is not effective in all patients. In the cases in which the use of antipsychotic drugs is not possible or not recommended, psychotherapeutic interventions are used to help patients gain power and control against hearing

Assembly processes require now more than ever a systematic way to improve efficiency complying with increasing product demand. Several industrial scenarios have been using augmented reality (AR) to enhance environments with different types of information and influence the overall user satisfaction and performance. The purpose of this work is to evaluate three different AR-based methods that can be

Compared to traditional screen-based media, virtual reality (VR) generally leads to stronger feelings of presence. The current study aimed to investigate whether playing games in VR resulted in a stronger sense of presence than playing on a TV, and whether these feelings of presence affected players’ emotional and physiological responses to the games. Two experiments were conducted among 128 students

Head-mounted displays offering 6° of freedom have not been sufficiently researched in terms of their impact on users' learning and skills. The issue is multi-dimensional, heterogeneous, and complex. The paper presents a scoping review aiming to map and review the existing literature on the matter. The areas in which they have been mostly used, the benefits, and the negative effects they may have had

Burn patients engage in repetitive painful therapeutic treatments, such as wound debridement, dressing changes, and other medical processes high in procedural pain. Pharmacological analgesics have been used for managing pain, but with ineffective results and negative side effects. Studies on pain management for burn patients suggested that Virtual Reality can treat procedural pain. This paper describes

A large number of people in the world need to use a wheelchair because of different disabilities. Driving a wheelchair requires complex physical and cognitive abilities which need to be trained. Virtual training helps users acquire driving skills in a safe environment. The aim of this paper is to describe and technically validate simulation models for both manual (MW) and powered wheelchairs (PW) based

This study examined whether an interviewer’s nonverbal behavior influences observers’ competence ratings in a recruitment interview using 360-degree videos experienced with immersive virtual reality (VR-cardboard) and 2D screen displays. Participants (n = 110) observed a recruitment interview and assessed three competences of the applicant (behavior in a team, customer care, and sales skill). We used

Background Recent research has established virtual reality (VR) applications as a valid and viable tool for neuropsychological assessment. In contrast, there are only a few studies on its potential as a therapeutic program. To examine the prospects of VR as a tool for functional rehabilitation, a VR training program of attentional functions was conceptualized during a Hackathon in 2018. The prototype

Purpose Do apparatuses and eyestrain have effects on learning performances and quality of experience? Materials and Methods: 42 participants played a serious game simulating a job interview with a Samsung Gear VR Head-Mounted Display (HMD) or a computer screen. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: PC, HMD biocular, and HMD stereoscopy (S3D). Participants played the game thrice. Eyestrain

Locomotion is a fundamental interaction element allowing navigation inside the virtual environment, and the walking-in-place (WIP) techniques have been actively developed as a balanced compromise between naturalness and efficiency. One popular method to implement the WIP technique was to use a low-cost, easy to set up, and markerless Kinect, but required integration of multiple sensors or covered limited

Artificial intelligence models can produce powerful predictive computer vision tools for healthcare. However, their development simultaneously requires computational skill as well as biomedical expertise. This barrier often impedes the wider utilization of AI in professional environments since biomedical experts often lack software development skills. We present the first development environment where

Virtual and augmented reality allows the utilization of natural user interfaces, such as realistic finger interaction, even for purposes that were previously dominated by the WIMP paradigm. This new form of interaction is particularly suitable for applications involving manipulation tasks in 3D space, such as CAD assembly modeling. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the suitability of natural

Children with upper limb motor impairment often undergo repetitive therapeutic physiotherapy sessions to minimize functional disabilities of the affected area. Even though therapeutic processes can improve functional outcomes and minimize persistent disabilities, patients often neglect to participate fully in physical therapies due to the associated procedural pain. Over recent decades, there has been

The world space defined by a traditional virtual reality application is generally regarded as separate from the real-world space in which users actually exist. In this paper, we present a method that enables such detached spaces to connect in an integrated space. In particular, we show that by using a specially manufactured calibration board and three consumer-grade position tracking devices, a reference

The contribution of this paper is toward three directions, namely (a) in identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the current state-of-the-art methods that allow laymen in programming to author VR experiences; (b) in examining how easily non-experts in programming can author VR experiences by analysing the responses from several testers toward easiness and usability when using the proposed authoring

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool and is increasingly used in many different fields, in which virtual walking can be generalized through detailed modeling of the physical environment such as in sports science, medicine and furthermore. However, the visualization of a virtual environment using a head-mounted display (HMD) differs compared to reality, and it is still not clear whether the visual

Numerous studies have explored the effects of virtual reality (VR) on adults' cognition. Little is known, however, of these effects in children. The aim of this study was to explore, in both children and adults, the respective roles of the specific factors of VR, such as immersion, sense of presence and emotion, on memory performance. To do so, we used a head-mounted display to present a VR experience

This paper reports the development of a specialized teleguidance-based navigation assistance system for the blind and the visually impaired. We present findings from a usability and user experience study conducted with 11 blind and visually impaired participants and a sighted caretaker. Participants sent live video feed of their field of view to the remote caretaker's terminal from a smartphone camera

It is known that virtual reality (VR) experience may cause cyber sickness. One aspect of VR is an immersion or otherwise sense of presence, the sense of feeling oneself in a virtual world. In this paper an experiment which was conducted in order to find the link between level of immersion and cyber sickness felt by participants is presented. Eighty-nine participants aged between 19 and 36 years have

Cybersickness describes the nausea and discomfort that frequently emerges upon exposure to a virtual reality (VR) environment. The extent to which cybersickness leads to temporary constraints in cognitive functioning after VR exposure is a critical aspect of evaluating the risk to human safety where VR tasks are used for workforce training. Here, we examined whether VR exposure results in deteriorated

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the effect of different types of self-representations through floating members (hands vs. hands + feet), virtual full body (hands + feet vs. full-body avatar), walking fidelity (static feet, simulated walking, real walking), and number of tracking points used (head + hands, head + hands + feet, head + hands + feet + hip) on the sense of presence and embodiment

The incorporation of both virtual content and real world in augmented reality (AR) allows real-time engagement with the virtual objects. The selection of an appropriate tracking algorithm is important to optimise the performance of mobile AR applications given the limited processing capabilities and memories of mobile devices like smartphones. Tracking in AR consists of four essential components, namely

Practical applications of virtual reality (VR), defined as a three-dimensional digital representation of a real or imagined space, have become increasingly popular and are now applied in workplace training, physical rehabilitation, psychological therapy, and many other settings. Feelings akin to motion sickness, called VR sickness, can arise from interacting with VR programs, and researchers have shown

A primary affordance of virtual reality (VR) headsets is to give the user spatial presence or the illusion of being in the virtual environment. Although considerable research connects VR to spatial presence, spatial awareness, and spatial ability, little is known about how users develop spatial presence in VR learning environments. This study addresses that gap by exploring spatial presence experience

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-021-00527-0

One important feature of a neuropsychological test is its ecological validity, which defines how much patients’ test scores are linked to real-life functioning. However, many of the currently available neuropsychological tools show low to moderate levels of ecological validity. Virtual reality (VR) emerged as a possible solution that might enhance the ecological value of standard paper-and-pencil tests

Virtual reality (VR) sickness is a condition that may occur during or after exposure to a virtual environment and can induce symptoms such as headache and eye strain. VR sickness can be influenced by several factors. One individual factor that might affect VR sickness is personality. Non-individual factors that may influence VR sickness are sound and content difficulty. The aim of this study was to

Scene Walk is a video viewing technique suited to first-person video recorded from wearable cameras. It integrates a 2D video player and visualisation of the camera trajectory into a non-photorealistic partial rendering of the 3D environment as reconstructed from image content. Applications include forensic analysis of first-person video archives, for example as recorded by emergency response teams

Previous studies have revealed that attention and inhibition are impaired in individuals with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Virtual reality (VR)-based neuropsychological assessment may be a valid instrument for assessing attention and inhibition given its higher ecological validity when compared to classical tests. However, it is still unclear as to whether a VR assessment can predict

Cybersickness (CS) is a term used to refer to symptoms, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness that users experience during or after virtual reality immersion. Initially discovered in flight simulators, commercial virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMD) of the current generation also seem to cause CS, albeit in a different manner and severity. The goal of this work is to summarize recent

Inferring users’ perceptions of Virtual Environments (VEs) is essential for Virtual Reality (VR) research. Traditionally, this is achieved through assessing users’ affective states before and after being exposed to a VE, based on standardized, self-assessment questionnaires. The main disadvantage of questionnaires is their sequential administration, i.e., a user’s affective state is measured asynchronously

Recent studies show that user’s visual attention during virtual reality museum navigation can be effectively estimated with deep learning models. However, these models rely on large-scale datasets that usually are of high structure complexity and context specific, which is challenging for nonspecialist researchers and designers. Therefore, we present the deep learning model, ALRF, to generalise on

Virtual reality (VR) may be a good alternative for cadaveric temporal bone surgical dissection courses, which are an important part of otolaryngology resident’s training. The aim of the study was to assess the VR temporal bone surgery simulator in an antromastoidectomy simulation. The VR system was based on the Geomagic Touch Haptic Device from 3D System. The research was designed as a prospective

Balance disorders can have substantial adverse implications on the performance of daily activities and lead to an increased risk of falls, which often have severe negative consequences for older adults. Quantitative assessment through computerized force plate-based posturography enables objective assessment of postural control but could not successfully represent specific abilities required during

Sense of presence plays an essential role in realistic answers in virtual reality and is, therefore, relevant to promote. Prior studies suggest that a relationship exists between familiarity and presence through the memory process. Indeed, the recall of memories could reactivate the mental state and emotions associated with their context. The present study thus examined the effectiveness of contextual