Immersive Virtual Experience Research Articles

Using Virtual Reality in Mental Health Nursing to Improve Behavioral Health Equity.

Nursing students often experience anxiety, stress, and fear during a clinical rotation in a mental health setting due to stressors and biases toward the setting as well as lack experience in caring for patients with mental health conditions. One in four people worldwide suffers from a mental disorder; therefore, it is critical that nurses feel confident interacting with these patients to provide equitable care. Undergraduate training is a critical period for changing students' attitudes toward this population. This study's goal was twofold. First, we offered students' exposure to common behaviors and symptoms displayed by a patient with mental illness through an engaging and immersive virtual reality simulation experience before taking care of patients in a clinical setting. Second, we aimed to determine if a virtual reality simulation will change students' attitude and stigma, favorably, toward patients with mental health conditions. We used a mixed-method comparative analysis to collect information and identify themes on undergraduate students' attitudes and stigma toward patients with mental health conditions. Our findings demonstrate that virtual reality simulations enhance awareness and sensitivity to the situations of others (empathy) while improving their communication skills. The use of virtual reality in a baccalaureate curriculum deepens the understanding of health equity in behavioral health for nursing students.

Examining the contributing factors of virtual event quality toward event satisfaction among attendees

Due to the rising acceptance of virtual events, more empirical studies are needed to determine factors influencing attendees’ satisfaction. It is crucial to comprehend the essential factors determining the quality of virtual events as the virtual world continues to define the future of event experiences. Given these considerations, event planners may create and deploy virtual experiences meeting the diverse needs and preferences of the attendees. Hence, the main purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of virtual event quality dimensions on the level of event satisfaction among the attendees. A cross-sectional study was undertaken by administering a survey instrument to collect response data from participants in virtual events. There were 124 valid responses obtained for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 28. The study findings revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the quality of virtual event factors and event satisfaction among the attendees. The results of regression analysis indicated that vividness (p=0.016), functionality (p=0.003), entertainment (p=0.029), fulfillment (p=0.037), privacy (p=0.037), and social presence (p=0.001) were found to be significant predictors of event satisfaction. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering several factors of event quality, particularly in planning and implementing virtual events. Event organizers can enhance attendees’ satisfaction through the use of more immersive and substantial virtual experiences, by focusing on attributes such as vividness, functionality, entertainment, fulfillment, privacy and social presence.

Enhancing public entertainment with touch: Possibilities and pitfalls.

There has long been interest in augmenting cinematic and other forms of public entertainment through tactile and/or bodily (i.e., vestibular) stimulation. In this narrative historical review, the early history of touch (or haptics, as it is sometimes called) and other forms of bodily stimulation (e.g., motion platforms) in the context of entertainment is critically reviewed, with a focus on early cinema as well as other early examples of immersive virtual reality travel experiences. Critically, various challenges have limited the introduction of such additional channels of sensory stimulation. These include technological, financial, cognitive, creative, ethical/artistic, and also legal considerations, given the many patents that currently exist covering commercial digital tactile stimulation (e.g., in the gaming context). Taken together, these challenges help to explain why it is that despite the early interest in "the feelies" (e.g., an envisioning of film that includes tactile sensations by Aldous Huxley, in his novel Brave New World), touch-enhanced cinema and storytelling have never really caught on in the mainstream in the way that, say, the talkies so obviously did following the introduction of sound into cinema in the early decades of the 20th century. Nevertheless, identifying the potential successful use cases that have emerged from previous attempts to augment public entertainments with tactile/bodily stimulation will likely provide useful guidelines for the future tactile augmentation of home entertainment.

An analysis of the consumer profile and the willingness to pay in immersive virtual tourism

This study aims to determine the associations between socio-demographic profiles, respondents’ self-assessed technology proficiency, willingness to carry out different immersive virtual tourism experiences, and willingness to pay for these kinds of activities compared to real-life experiences. The theoretical framework of the Technology Acceptance Model identifies the perceived usefulness and ease of use of a new technology as key acceptance factors. An Artificial Neural Network was applied to the information obtained through the questionnaires. The study discovered that two factors, virtual tourism engagement and perceived usefulness, significantly impact willingness to pay. Previous video game experience enhances ease-of-use perception. While previous experience with video games increases perceived ease of use, it is revealed that a high degree of experience with technology, which is somewhat in line with the profile of digital natives, may reduce willingness to pay, in line with the experience paradox theory. This knowledge can guide the development of new market segments and marketing strategies, including pricing policies and the promotion of tourist destinations. The growth of technology and tourist capabilities has led to virtual tourism, which can act as a complementary, substitute, or marketing tool. This emerging form of tourism experiences an acceptance curve, where willingness to pay has yet to be explored. This study on the experience paradox and digital natives' impact offers originality, shedding light on the factors affecting willingness to pay in virtual tourism.

Revolutionizing Human Augmentation: The Future of Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Computer Interface Technologies

The future of neuroprosthesis and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies is poised to transform medical treatments, cognitive development, and human-machine interaction. Neuroprosthetics, which integrate artificial devices with the nervous system to restore or enhance sensory and motor functions, have already improved the lives of people with disabilities. Advances in materials science and neural interfacing are taking these technologies even further, enabling more seamless integration and better control of prosthetic limbs and sensory devices. As these technologies improve, they may soon be able to restore complex functions such as speech, vision, and memory. At the same time, BCIs go beyond traditional applications for neurological disorders, opening up possibilities for cognitive enhancement, neural data transfer, and immersive virtual experiences. With advances in machine learning and neuroimaging, BCIs can enhance cognitive abilities, treat neurological diseases, and redefine human-computer interaction. However, these technologies also raise ethical, social, and security concerns. The risk of misuse, such as unauthorized access to neural data, and the potential creation of cognitive hierarchies emphasize the need for robust regulation. Ensuring accessibility and equity is also essential to ensure that the benefits of these advances are shared equitably. The development of neuroprostheses and BCIs has had a positive impact.

Virtual Empathy: Usability and Immersivity of a VR System for Enhancing Social Cohesion through Cultural Heritage

In this paper we describe and evaluate a VR application, designed with a novel approach that allows personalized interaction and a more immersive virtual experience. This VR system uses both a user-based methodology in which the user expresses his/her emotions by interacting directly with the environment; and an artificial intelligence-driven methodology that is based on automated language systems able to detect user emotion and moral values from verbal speech. In this study we evaluated the usability and immersivity of our system on a sample of 30 museum visitors. The results indicate that our application is easy and pleasant to use for visitors, and that positive assessments are significantly associated with the level of immersion and realism experienced within the virtual environment. Additionally, we found a low incidence of motion sickness among users.

Reverberation divergence in VR applications

This project aimed to investigate the correlation between virtual reality (VR) imagery and ambisonic sound. With the increasing popularity of VR applications, understanding how sound is perceived in virtual environments is crucial for enhancing the immersiveness of the experience. In the experiment, participants were immersed in a virtual environment that replicated a concert hall. Their task was to assess the correspondence between sound scenes (which differed in reverberation times and their characteristics) and the observed invariant visual scene. The research was conducted using paired tests. Participants were asked to identify the sound scene they considered more closely matched the concert hall seen in the VR goggles for each pair. Each sound scene differed in the employed impulse response. All the impulse responses were recorded in real venues such as concert halls, auditoriums, churches, etc. To provide a realistic auditory experience, the sound scenes were processed using third-order ambisonics and decoded using binaural techniques with HRTFs. The virtual concert hall was generated using the Unreal Engine and was the same for all the tests. One of the major conclusions drawn from the conducted research was confirming the role of spatial sound in creating immersive VR experiences. The study demonstrated that appropriately matching spatial sound to the VR visual scene is essential for achieving complete immersion. Additionally, expectations and preferences regarding reverberation characteristics in different types of spaces were discovered. These findings have significant implications for the design of virtual environments, and understanding these aspects can contribute to improving VR technology and creating more immersive and realistic virtual experiences for users.

A Quality-Aware and Obfuscation-Based Data Collection Scheme for Cyber-Physical Metaverse Systems

In pursuit of an immersive virtual experience within the Cyber-Physical Metaverse Systems (CPMS), the construction of Avatars often requires a significant amount of real-world data. Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) has emerged as an efficient method for collecting data for CPMS. While progress has been made in protecting the privacy of workers, little attention has been given to safeguarding task privacy, potentially exposing the intentions of applications and posing risks to the development of the Metaverse. Additionally, existing privacy protection schemes hinder the exchange of information among entities, inadvertently compromising the quality of the collected data. To this end, we propose a Quality-aware and Obfuscation-based Task Privacy-Preserving (QOTPP) scheme, which protects task privacy and enhances data quality without third-party involvement. The QOTPP scheme initially employs the insight of “showing the fake, and hiding the real” by employing differential privacy techniques to create fake tasks and conceal genuine ones. Additionally, we introduce a two-tier truth discovery mechanism using Deep Matrix Factorization (DMF) to efficiently identify high-quality workers. Furthermore, we propose a Combinatorial Multi-Armed Bandit (CMAB)-based worker incentive and selection mechanism to improve the quality of data collection. Theoretical analysis confirms that our QOTPP scheme satisfies essential properties such as truthfulness, individual rationality, and ϵ-differential privacy. Extensive simulation experiments validate the state-of-the-art performance achieved by QOTPP.

The Future of Fashion Retail: Virtual Experiences and E-Commerce Integration

This innovative research integrates methodologies from two distinct studies to advance our comprehension of immersive virtual experiences within the realms of fashion and e-commerce. By amalgamating insights from both methodologies, this refined approach introduces novel components, including a virtual shopping environment, post-VR shopping behavior analysis, biometric data collection, extended interviews, longitudinal study design, and control group implementation. Participants engaged in 360-degree VR fashion shows and virtual shopping experiences using the Oculus Quest 2, while their physiological responses were meticulously monitored. Following the VR encounters, participants navigated a virtual store, and their subsequent shopping behavior was methodically tracked. Extended interviews delved into enduring effects, while a longitudinal study examined the evolution of attitudes over a three-month period. The inclusion of a control group ensured the robustness of causal inferences. This sophisticated methodology promises a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between immersive virtual encounters and consumer behaviors, providing nuanced insights into the evolving landscape of virtual consumption. By embracing cutting-edge elements such as biometric data and virtual shopping environments, this research aims to unravel the multifaceted effects of immersive virtual experiences, contributing to a deeper understanding of consumer interactions with virtual environments and shaping the future trajectory of fashion and e-commerce.

The Role of detection Algorithm in Tracking Techniques with the help of Deep Learning for an Enhanced user Experience

The drum set is a prominent instrument in a variety of music genres including pop, rock, and jazz. However, it costs money and space to get from nothing to purchasing a kit. The objective of these studies is to enable drummers to hone their skills, at least blithely, without a full set of drums and to expedite the initiation of drummers to their drumming experiences without incurring any costs. Drums do not fit inside a single bag, making them more difficult to travel than other instruments. We propose a virtual drum prototype that enables air-drumming using just two sticks, a computer equipped with a camera, and readily available markers that resemble the drumstick tips, such colourful papers. The detection algorithm combines tracking techniques with deep learning technology for an enhanced user experience. This was done using the Python-based OpenCV, as well as the concept of color-based blob recognition was used to find the markers. The capacity to function as a USB controller and MIDI controllers as well as the possibility for further development as a released program have all been shown by this prototype. Results from experiments show how useful and successful this method is for producing a lifelike and immersive virtual drumming experience.

Virtual Campus Tour Using VR

In this era of rapid technological innovation, the idea presents an innovative approach to creating a virtual tour of a campus using only cell phones. Using mobile photography, we capture panoramic images of campus landmarks and employ advanced stitching techniques to create an immersive and interactive virtual experience. Using this low-cost, readily replicable method, academic institutions may showcase their campuses globally, giving stakeholders and prospective students a feeling of accessibility and community. The process entails using the power of contemporary cellphones to take high-resolution pictures, guaranteeing an exquisite portrayal of the campus landscape. The resulting virtual tour improves the user experience overall with information overlays and straightforward navigation, in addition to being a useful marketing tool for schools. The approach helps to democratize educational access by decentralizing the process of providing virtual tours.

HBIM AND EXTENDED REALITY FOR CULTURAL MEDIATION OF HISTORICAL HERITAGE: A REVIEW

Abstract. In the realm of Cultural Heritage, emergent technologies such as HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) and Extended Reality (XR) are becoming instrumental in creating immersive Virtual Heritage experiences. A review of relevant literature indicates that these technologies have been utilized to build 3D HBIM models and highlight them on immersive platforms for purposes of cultural dissemination and promotion. Technological progress now accommodates the assimilation of historical data via HBIM methodology, which opens avenues for novel communication forms and the distribution of information through extended reality techniques. This, in turn, ensures cultural mediation and heritage site promotion. This study aims to present a comprehensive survey of research surrounding the application of HBIM in heritage site preservation and management. Moreover, this paper intends to provide an overview of the concepts and the role of XR within HBIM, in supporting the cultural mediation and promotion of historical heritage. This research further delineates a pathway for future endeavours concerning the integration of XR technologies within the policies of architectural and built heritage conservation and assessment.

Game Design in the Design Thinking Process For a Video Game Development Model to Support Tourism

This article discusses the influence of video games on the tourism industry. Video games have become a popular and rapidly growing form of entertainment worldwide. This article reveals how video games can promote tourism through immersive virtual experiences, explore fictional worlds with stunning landscapes, and showcase the culture and historical heritage of various regions different. Dubois and Gibbs proposed the theory that video games can influence tourists’ motivation to visit video gamerelated tourist attractions. Although video games have the potential to boost tourism, research shows that their effectiveness is still lower than that of cinema or print media. However, the development of video games with tourism themes offers opportunities for game developers and the tourism industry. By combining advanced technology and creativity, video games can provide educational experiences, promote tourist destinations, and create new value for players. The author offers a new framework that integrates design thinking with game design as a more effective approach in developing video games that support tourism.
 Keywords: video game, tourism, game design, design thinking

OdorCarousel: A Design Tool for Customizing Smell-Enhanced Virtual Experiences

This work aims to explore the application potential of utilizing the rich medium of olfaction in Immersive Virtual Experiences (IVEs) by engaging a broader range of non-expert users. Considering the inherent properties of scent (e.g., the absence of base odors and storage challenges) and the diverse application demands in IVEs, we introduce OdorCarousel. This design tool encompasses (1) a tiny, lightweight odor-emitting device that integrates with VR headsets and can store 25 distinct aromas. We conducted user-involved technical tests on scent release performance, focusing on identifying odor type, intensity, and transitions. (2) Based on two types of smell interactions in IVEs (active and passive), we devised and implemented three Unreal Engine-based olfactory interaction blueprints and user interfaces facilitating design. A case study illustrates the operation and design process of using OdorCarousel. We recruited 17 participants for a workshop-based user study, successfully executing six concept designs validating the usability and feasibility of OdorCarousel. Finally, we analyzed the design results and the olfactory interaction intentions, discussing the multi-dimensional potential and considerations of smell-enhanced virtual experiences and OdorCarousel, providing design guidance for future works.

METAMORPHOSIS: A DIGITAL APPROACH TO TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND METAVERSE

Abstract. This research employs a digital strategy to counter rural population decline and urban migration by integrating drone photogrammetry, metaverse, and blockchain technology. The focus is creating detailed 3D models of the settlements, which are subsequently optimized for metaverse platforms such as Voxels and Mona. Voxels facilitates participatory design, utilizing voxel parcels and Rhino- Grasshopper to involve all the stakeholders for renovation design work. Mona transforms parameterized projects into an immersive virtual experience, fuelled by blockchain technology, providing non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces and economic transitions. These virtual and real realms serve purposes such as decision-making, cultural preservation, economy generation, and virtual tourism, fostering rural revival, virtual economy, and digital representation of real-world environments.

Evaluation of the novelty effect in immersive Virtual Reality learning experiences

In this study, the novelty effect or initial fascination with new technology is addressed in the context of an immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) experience. The novelty effect is a significant factor contributing to low learning outcomes during initial VR learning experiences. The aim of this research is to measure the effectiveness of a tutorial at mitigating the novelty effect of iVR learning environments among first-year undergraduate students. The iVR tutorial forms part of the iVR learning experience that involves the assembly of a personal computer, while learning the functions of the main components. 86 students participated in the study, divided into a Control group (without access to the tutorial) and a Treatment group (completing the tutorial). Both groups showed a clear bimodal distribution in previous knowledge, due to previous experience with learning topics, giving us an opportunity to compare tutorial effects with students of different backgrounds. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were used to evaluate the experience. The analysis included such factors as previous knowledge, usability, satisfaction, and learning outcomes categorized into remembering, understanding, and evaluation. The results demonstrated that the tutorial significantly increased overall satisfaction, reduced the learning time required for iVR mechanics, and improved levels of student understanding, and evaluation knowledge. Furthermore, the tutorial helped to homogenize group behavior, particularly benefiting students with less previous experience in the learning topic. However, it was noted that a small number of students still received low marks after the iVR experience, suggesting potential avenues for future research.

Exploring Campus through Web-Based Immersive Adventures Using Virtual Reality Photography: A Low-Cost Virtual Tour Experience

This study aims to assess the incorporation of virtual reality (VR) photography into the web-based immersive application “virtual interactive campus tour (VICT).” This application offers users an immersive experience, allowing them to virtually explore university campuses and access information about the facilities and services available. The VICT application offers a cost-effective, attractive, and sustainable alternative for universities to display their resources and interact with potential students. Through black box testing, we conducted user acceptance testing (UAT) and functionality testing, confirming the application’s readiness for deployment and its capability to meet institutional and end-user requirements. This study also examined the potential for universities to use VR to meet the expectations of prospective students. The application is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. The results indicated that the overall average validity score was 0.88, suggesting that the measure is valid. The validation results were thoroughly tested and reliable. This study emphasizes the potential of immersive web-based tours in higher education and aims to bridge the divide between virtual exploration and physical visits. By offering an immersive virtual campus experience, this innovative tool has the potential to revolutionize university marketing strategies, increase student engagement, and transform campus visit approaches.

Metaverse and Museum: a Case Study

The Metaverse concept has developed so rapidly in recent years that it has also reached the cultural sector by defining new ways of visiting museums, archaeological parks, exhibitions and other events. The objective of this research paper is to present the experience conducted with the MAV - Museo dell’Artigianato Valdostano located in Fènis in Valle d’Aosta, which saw the design and implementation within the Metaverse of an exhibition space containing digital artistic artifacts obtained by digitizing real ones. The purpose of the virtual museum is to create a complementary environment to the real one, expanding its potential for enjoyment and enhancing its contents globally. In this paper, an attempt was first made to define, through a study of the state of the art, which technologies underlie the Metaverse and which make the visit a realistic and immersive virtual experience. Then, the methodology for defining the exhibition space and its art objects was identified based on the studies conducted. As a first step, the objects to be displayed in the virtual museum were digitized and modelled, through dedicated software, using laser scanner-based scanning methodologies. Once the digital element was obtained, the virtual museum environment was modelled within which the objects were placed. Next, an in-depth study of the interaction between humans, space, and objects was conducted to study how the avatar, guided by the user, relates within a virtual space, and based on the feedback provided by the users’ use of the space, the final organization of the museum arrived. At this stage, the fundamental concept of interaction emerged, which was implemented and highlighted by applying motion and audio triggers to make the environment more immersive. For optimal viewing of the space, while also being accessible through classic devices such as smartphones or PCs, a six-degree-of-freedom visor was used to accentuate the sense of presence within the environment.

Can Deepfakes Benefit the Metaverse in an Era of Disinformation? Insights from a Systematic Review

While false information has always represented a challenge to societal trust, democratic engagement, and public discourse, new technological advancements have led to the emergence of deepfakes and created a new challenge related to disinformation. The Metaverse, as a platform for immersive virtual experiences, also raises concerns about misinformation, privacy, and security. In this article, we analyse the possibilities of addressing the risks of deepfakes but still harnessing the technology for positive outcomes within the Metaverse. We systematically reviewed the literature using the PRISMA methodology and discussed several use cases that show the potential ethical use of the technology.

Applying Systems Thinking for Designing Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Experiences in Education

Applying Systems Thinking for Designing Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Experiences in Education