Is Viewing Roller Coaster Video in 3D-virtual Reality More Impressive than 2D Video?

Abstract

Scientists have hypothesized that three-dimensional virtual reality (3D-VR) entertainment provides greater enjoyment than the media experienced in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. This result can improve the life quality of patients, particularly for long-term hospitalized patients. To evaluate this hypothesis, the instantaneous heart rate (IHR) of eight subjects was monitored by electrocardiography using a Holter ECG as a measure of autonomic nervous system activity level while viewing a two-minute roller coaster video in 2D and 3D-VR (using an Oculus Rift). Each subject watched videos in both 2D and 3D-VR in varying order with at least 10-min intervals. After watching the videos, the subjects completed a questionnaire that included questions about their 2D vs. 3D-VR preferences. Subjective enjoyment was also estimated according to the visual analog scale (VAS). The results showed that the 3D-VR environment, closer to the actual environment, induced more excitement and enjoyment. This was evidenced by the difference in sympathetic nervous system activity (P < 0.01) while viewing 2D and 3D-VT videos. In particular, when the 3D-VR was observed before the 2D video, the subjects enjoyed the 3D-VR experience, as demonstrated by larger IHR accelerations. However, the differences were found to depend on whether the subjects liked or disliked roller coasters. In addition, two subjects experienced motion sickness with visual fatigue due to parallax. Finally, one subject felt both enjoyment and motion sickness simultaneously. Therefore, it was difficult to categorize the cause of sympathetic nervous system activity for this subject. In addition, for some subjects, the questionnaire responses (including VAS estimation) were inconsistent with sympathetic nervous system activity. Therefore, additional bio-signals (e.g., brain activity or salivary amylase activity) need to be analyzed in parallel to further evaluate the physical response of each subject. In future studies, it would be desirable to use the videos of lighter activities, such as hiking or riding a Ferris wheel (at moderate altitudes), that more people prefer.