By now, the realm of virtual reality is abuzz with high-quality visuals, enough to simulate a real-world scene. The use of intelligence in virtual reality systems, however, is a milestone yet to be achieved to make possible seamless realism in a virtual environment. This paper presents a model, rational ubiquitous navigation to improve believability of a virtual environment. The model intends to augment

Simulation-based training has been widely used in medical education. More specifically, various systems for minimally invasive surgery training have been proposed in the past two decades. The aim of this article is to review and summarize the existing simulation-based training systems for laparoscopic surgery in terms of their technical realizations. Forty-three training systems were found and analyzed

Landmines are frequently used for defence and attack. Thus, landmine detection is vital to preventing the damages incurred. Various landmine detection methods have been developed from the past to the present. Thus, a need has arisen for the employment of qualified personnel in this field. In today’s landmine detection training, soldiers are first subjected to theoretical training about landmine types

In this paper, we present ‘Virtual Observation’ (VO) a software tool for contextual observation and assessment of user’s directly from within the virtual reality (VR) simulation framework. Unlike other recording systems, the VO system described in this paper focuses on recording and reconstructing VR user’s positional, rotational and input data to recreate the same experience the user had with a VR

The phenomenon of cybersickness is currently hindering the mass market adoption of head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality (VR) technologies. This study examined the effects of dynamic field-of-view (FOV) restriction on the cybersickness generated by ecological HMD-based gameplay. Forty participants were exposed to a commercially available HMD game (Marvel Powers United VR) under both unrestricted

This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional (3D) physics-based fire simulation model that employs the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations to realistically emulate the combustion process. Then, we animate the 3D interactive burning processes by rendering a flame under a set of influence factors and with various solid boundaries and obstacles. It is insufficient to simply create a

With the development of consumer-grade virtual reality (VR) systems, the interface and interaction design for immersive virtual environments have become a critical issue for VR application designers and developers. The previous design experience from conventional VR applications may not be effective anymore. This work investigated two types of menu interfaces (fixed menu and handheld menu) and three

Alternative reality (XR) tools are becoming more commonplace in the realm of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC); however, these digitally immersive technologies vary greatly in their degree of virtuality and individual capabilities. While many studies detail the performance of one specific XR technology for a particular use case, little work exists comparing numerous modern XR technologies

Among other aspects like attention and focus, the effectiveness of actions, such as training in percussion, also relies on the correct gesture and strength of the individual carrying out the activity repetitively to develop proper muscle memory and train motor skills. To make this process economical and efficient, we propose a system that models the feature of direction and strength of a tap and receives

Most interactive user interfaces (UIs) for virtual reality (VR) applications are based on the traditional eye-centred UI design principle, which primarily considers the user’s visual searching efficiency and comfort, but the hand operation performance and ergonomics are relatively less considered. As a result, the hand interaction in VR is often criticized as being less efficient and precise. In this

Stroke rehabilitation suffers from low levels of patient engagement, impeding recovery. Virtual rehabilitation (VR) approaches can improve patient outcomes; however, there is limited understanding of the participant’s user experience and the field lacks a validated, objective measure of VR engagement. A neurophysiological measure of engagement in healthy adults was therefore examined, to inform future

Previous studies show that VR images can influence consumers’ attitudes and behaviors by evoking imagination. In this study, we introduce a reality-based closed-loop 3D image (hereafter Virtualgraph). Then, we try to see whether such image would increase evocativeness in a mobile commerce environment and whether higher telepresence of the visual image of a product can increase the purchase intention

In this paper, we proposed a novel method for virtual reality (VR) sickness reduction based on dynamic field of view (FOV) processing. Dynamic FOV processing is performed based on the estimated VR sickness for each video frame. The level of sickness is estimated using VR sickness model, which is obtained by defining the relationship between the motion information and the measured VR sickness. For motion

We have developed a novel and affordable way to texture virtual hands from individually taken photographs and integrated the virtual hands into a mixed reality neurorehabilitation system. This mixed reality system allows for serious game play with mirrored and non-mirrored hands, designed for patients with unilateral motor impairments. Before we can ethically have patients use the system, we must show

Recently, 360° panorama technologies have been used to create videos and pictures of real and virtual environments, thus opening new possibilities for psychological research. The aim of this study is to compare a 360° real panorama environment to a computer-simulated one to verify if they are equally efficient in generating sense of presence, emotions, and relaxation in individuals. The study employs

This research report describes the development of a virtual reality (VR) laboratory stressor to study the effects of exposure to stressful events. The aim of the research was to develop a VR simulation that would evoke stressor responses at a level that was tolerable for participants. Veterans with and without warzone-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were presented with VR simulations of

Virtual reality can be used for educational purposes, particularly in demanding professions such as firefighting. Such virtual training may be useful for preparing trainees for distress, fear, or frustration experienced during real rescue operations. Evoking cognitive schemas, especially of other people, during training appears to be crucial as well, as the greatest stressors in the firefighting profession

This study investigated the perceptual characteristics of pulsive brakes presented by passive haptic interfaces. A passive-type haptic interface based on the damping brake of a DC motor was used to generate impact; this has merits of inherent safety and energy efficiency. This haptic interface expresses impacts by resisting the operator’s hand via the resistive force generated by a damping brake. In

Augmented reality technology is attracting increased attention, given the popularity of the smartphone. The utilisation of the smartphone with AR technology is also enabling mobile augmented reality (MAR) to become accessible. Stereoscopic vision offers users the benefit of depth perception, which can help improve user memory. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect on knowledge retention

Virtual reality (VR) might increase the ecological validity of psychological studies as it allows submerging into real-life experiences under controlled laboratory conditions. We intended to provide empirical evidence for this claim at the example of the famous invisible gorilla paradigm (Simons and Chabris in Perception, 28(9), 1059–1074, 1999). To this end, we confronted one group of participants

Recently, virtual reality (VR) technologies started gaining momentum in surgical simulation-based training by allowing clinicians to practice their skills before performing real procedures. The design of such simulators is usually focused on the primary operative tasks to be taught, but little attention is paid to secondary tasks that the user needs to perform, such as changing his/her point of view

Virtual reality (VR) is popular across many fields and is increasingly used in sports as a training tool. The reason, therefore, is recently improved display technologies, more powerful computation capacity, and lower costs of head-mounted displays for VR. As in the real-world (R), visual effects are the most important stimulus provided by VR. However, it has not been demonstrated whether the gaze

Cybersickness is a known issue in virtual reality affecting a notable percentage of the populations. However, predicting the level and incidence of cybersickness in new systems is difficult. Past publications were analyzed for their factors and resulting cybersickness scores. These factors were then used to develop three predictive models using demographics, software, and hardware factors. Using demographic

In this survey, we explore Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality within social learning spaces, such as classrooms and museums, while also extending into relevant social interaction concepts found within more reality-based and social immersive media frameworks. To provide a foundation for our findings we explore properties and interactions relevant to educational use in social learning spaces; in addition

We present a framework for alternative reality (XR) technologies to enable an understanding of what constitutes an XR environment when used in the context of design and engineering of large, complex systems. The framework provides guidelines for implementing the corresponding desired human sensory experience. This work is founded on the existing literature which defines theoretical Spectra, such as

Sociocognitive evaluation is an important component of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. However, concerns have been raised as to whether traditional assessment methods such as paper-and-pencil questionnaire adequately represent real-life abilities. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to increase ecological value by providing experimental conditions that are similar to those in a real-world

Fire is a major hazard in built environments. Fires in buildings cause fatalities, serious injuries and tremendous damage. Most fires can be extinguished in the early stages of the fire’s development, with the right equipment and correct use of the equipment. However, as there can be as little as a few minutes between a fire starting and very dire consequences, rapid and correct responses are critical

Starting from the pro-environmental potential of virtual reality (VR), the aim was to understand how different statistical information formats can enhance VR persuasive potential for plastic consumption, recycling and waste. Naturalistic, immersive virtual reality environments (VREs) were designed ad hoc to display three kinds of statistical evidence formats, featured as three different formats (i

Contemporary virtual reality systems enable academics to more efficiently explore and analyze complex three-dimensional (3D) content, but their utility is limited by visual short-term memory. Janus, a geometry agnostic shader script, circumvents this cognitive limitation by automatically rendering complex object meshes to fit entirely within the field-of-view of consumer head-mounted displays. The

Motion simulators have been of significant importance for the aviation sector in training pilots. However, the present boom in the utilization of robotics for virtual reality (VR) gaming has given rise to a new application of motion simulators. Motion cueing algorithms (MCA) play a key role in mapping the motions from a gaming scenario to the workspace of a simulator. This workspace is small (as compared

The first responder training sector presents crucial difficulties on adopting “future of work” online training principles because physical (muscle) memory is considered as important as cognitive memory. It is obvious that physical memory cannot be obtained by existing screen- and paper-based trainings. This paper presents a novel training framework for first responders that leverages augmented reality

Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is a very complex surgical procedure aiming to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental irregularities, including jaws and teeth misalignments. It requires a precise pre-surgical planning and high surgical skills that are traditionally acquired through years of hands-on training in the operating room or in laboratory-based surgical practices using cadavers or models. Although

As virtual reality (VR) technology enters mainstream markets, it is imperative that we understand its potential impacts on users, both positive and negative. In the present paper, we build on the extant literature’s focus on the physical side effects of VR gameplay (e.g., cybersickness) by focusing on VR’s potential to intensify users’ experiences of negative emotions. We first conducted a preliminary

Virtual reality (VR) provides the potential for immersive and engaging training solutions for improving sport performance. However, if VR training is to be adopted and used in an effective and evidence-based fashion, a more rigorous assessment of the validity of the simulation is required. Construct validity is the degree to which the simulation provides an accurate representation of core features

To address a deficiency of scales measuring attitudes toward virtual reality technology, the Attitudes toward Virtual Reality Technology Scale (AVRTS) was developed following a three-step procedure. Items were generated based on literature and in a focus group pilot study (n = 20). Using factor analysis with maximum likelihood extraction and direct oblimin rotation, the initial scale was created after

This study verifies the effects of learning experiences by measuring the degrees of awareness of direct experience felt by users detecting both temperature and wind occurring within a virtual space as real cutaneous sensations. Learning while using virtual reality (VR)—with a focus on audiovisual vividness, tactile interactivity, and locomotive interactivity—was thus compared to VR utilization learning

Recent advances in “developmental” approach (combining experimental study with computational modeling) of neural networks produce increasingly large data sets, in both complexity and size. This poses a significant challenge in analyzing, visualizing and understanding not only the spatial structure but also the behavior of such networks. This paper describes a virtual reality application for visualization

Virtual reality (VR) provides the capability to train individuals to deal with complex situations by immersing them in a virtual environment. VR-based training has been used in many domains; however, in order to be effective, the training should be adapted based on user’s capabilities, performance, and needs. This study provided a framework for adaptive VR-based training including performance measures

Virtual reality (VR) applications have rapidly gained renewed popularity and are extensively employed for replicating real-life scenarios that may otherwise be impractical to recreate. All such VR applications require that the environments being used provide high levels of immersion and mimic their real-world counterpart in terms of size, distance, depth, and action capabilities. Many VR applications

When sharing virtual collaborative environments, operators exchange spatial statements that refer to the objects’ positions in the virtual space. If operators are to understand each other, they need to develop a common spatial frame of reference and then choose a space coding to describe the objects’ positions. In this paper, we consider how the content of a virtual environment can influence communication

Understanding human decision making is a key requirement to improve crowd simulation models so that they can better mimic real human behavior. It is often difficult to study human decision making during dangerous situations because of the complexity of the scenarios and situations to be simulated. Immersive virtual reality offers the possibility to carry out such experiments without exposing participants

It has been demonstrated that virtual reality (VR) exposure can affect the subjective experience of different situations, cognitive capabilities or behavior. It is known that there is a link between a person’s physiological state and their psychological self-report and user experience. As an immersive experience can affect users’ physiological data, it is possible to adapt and enhance the content of

Users of stereo 3D technology commonly report physical discomfort during or after exposure of stereo 3D contents. The discomfort has been associated with sensation of arbitrary and optical flow-like self-motion. However, there is no information on whether arbitrary motion induces stronger physical discomfort compared with optical flow-like motion. To address this research gap, we investigate physical

Limited visibility from a mobile machine cab can decrease task performance and lead to accidents. Therefore, it is important to consider visibility issues already in the design phase. This paper describes the use of virtual prototyping in the evaluation of see-through features of mobile work machines. The goal is to evaluate whether two different machine boom transparency levels have an effect on task

Two teaching methodologies are presented and compared in this study: on the one hand, semi-guided tours in immersive virtual reality and, on the other, viewing video renderings of 3D environments. The two techniques are contrasted through 3D modeling of a fifteenth-century Spanish town called Briviesca, in an immersive environment, viewed with Oculus Rift. The suitability of virtual reality for teaching

The research presented in this paper explores the contribution of avatar fidelity to social interaction in virtual environments and how sensory fusion can improve these interactions. Specifically, we vary levels of interaction fidelity to investigate how responsiveness and behavioural realism affect people’s experience of interacting with virtual humans. This is accomplished through the creation of

Suitable cues for communication are crucial to multiuser usability of collaborative virtual environments (VEs). Although verbal cues are common among users, vibrotactile cues are nonverbal to facilitate conventionally interaction with objects. Few research efforts have examined the role of verbal and vibrotactile cues on multiuser usability of a collaborative VE. This paper hence presents assessments

The geometric calibration of projectors is a demanding task in many areas related to computer vision, virtual reality or augmented reality, to name some. Up to date, different methods have been proposed to retrieve the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of projectors. During the last 20 years, researchers have used cameras as means to calibrate projectors in order to automatize the process. However

Abstract Motion platforms and motion cueing algorithms (MCA) have been included in virtual reality applications for several decades. They are necessary to provide suitable inertial cues in vehicle simulators. However, the great number of operational constraints that these devices and algorithms suffer, namely limited physical space, elevated costs, absence of sufficient power, difficulty of tuning

Abstract Nowadays, museums offer technological and digital options to enrich the user experience in a visit. However, questions arise like which exhibition/museum could I visit? How to tour it and get the best experience? These questions are not easy to answer, because they do not represent tasks straightforward. Considering that the experiences of visiting a museum are now available in social networks

Abstract In this article, we compare three different input technologies (gamepad, vision-based motion controls, room-scale) for an interactive virtual reality (VR) environment. The overall system is able to visualize (open) data from multiple online sources in a unified interface, enabling the user to browse and explore displayed information in an immersive VR setting. We conducted a user interaction

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly incorporated into psychotherapy, with the literature documenting its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, pain, and stress. Few studies have incorporated VR into mindfulness interventions. The present study examined the efficacy of VR in facilitating mindfulness. It was hypothesised that a brief mindfulness intervention integrated with VR would

Abstract Virtual reality is a powerful interaction mechanism that holds the promise of engaging users, not only for entertainment, but also for social and environmental purposes. In this paper we present PeakLensVR, a virtual reality mobile application that enables users to capture panoramic mountain images with their mobile devices and later visualize such images, enriched with metadata about the

Abstract Virtual reality and immersive technologies are used in a variety of learning and training applications. However, higher levels of immersion do not always improve learning. The mixed results in the literature may partly arise from the use of between-subjects designs, insufficient time intervals between sessions in within-subjects designs, and/or overreliance on binary comparisons of immersion

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) is rapidly developed and bringing advancement in various related technologies through the virtual world. It has high potential and plays an important role in education and training fields. Mixed reality (MR) is a type of hybrid system that involves both physical and virtual elements. While VR/MR has proved to be an effective way to improve the learning attitude and effectiveness

Abstract The objective of this research is to propose a dynamic composition of behaviour-rich interactive 3D scene as a virtual environment for cognitive support using visual and linguistic analytics. Based on the constructivist theory of learning through visual cognition by Winn (A conceptual basis for educational applications of virtual reality, Technical report TR 93-9, Washington Technology University

Abstract Cybersickness in virtual reality (VR) is an ongoing problem, despite recent advances in head-mounted displays (HMDs). Discrete viewpoint control techniques have been recently used by some VR developers to combat cybersickness. Discrete viewpoint techniques rely on reducing optic flow via inconsistent displacement, to reduce cybersickness when using stationary HMD-based VR systems. However

Abstract A virtual reality (VR) technology innovation experience service was designed to promote electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). An understanding of the factors that will have an impact on VR service adoption in experiencing an E2W ride is important. This study adapts the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to investigate the factors that may influence user acceptance of fully

Abstract Alongside the highly rapid development of virtual reality technology, embodied agents will become soon a common element of human–computer interactions. Our study analyzed the interactional influence of social status, personal attitudes (homophobia and social status importance), and culture on the efficiency of the virtual Midas touch effect. From a human perspective, we focused on the cultural

In the original publication of the article, the set of Equations 1 was wrongly typeset.