Egocentric Distance Perception in a Virutal Environment Using a Perceptual Matching Task

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether egocentric distance judgments are accurate in a virtual environment using a perceptual matching task. Methods: Observers were immersed within a virtual environment consisting of an L-shaped room with a test object (a column) located down one corridor and a comparison object (a flagpole) located down the other. Perceived distances were measured by having the observers move the comparison object to match the distance to the test object. Textures in each corridor were independently varied, as was the size of the test object. Results: Significant effects were found for the texture pattern under the test object and for distance, but not for the texture under the comparison object or column size. Performance was best with a regular (brick) pattern. Overall, observers' judgments overestimated distance to the test object by approximately 7%. Conclusions: Egocentric distance judgments were relatively accurate compared to past research. Texture affected performance, with a regular pattern producing highest accuracy.