Implementation Of Virtual Reality System Research Articles

A Conceptual Framework for Immersive Acoustic Auralisation: Investigating the Key Attributes

In architectural acoustics, the assessment of sound propagation in interior and/or environmental conditions has now become progressively more prominent throughout the past few decades, as a response to the development of advanced prediction tools. Within the adaptation of virtual reality (VR) systems, it is necessary to considerably expedite the prediction and simulation software as well as to enable flexible and responsive data analysis during simulation and 3D audio sensory projection. To generate ideal immersion in a simulated virtual environment, the generated stimulus across all senses should therefore be coherent. Accordingly, in the domain of acoustic in virtual reality, the system sound simulation must be constructed efficiently in order to convey the auditory stimuli to the user in an appropriate manner. This necessitates the implementation of virtual reality system as an advanced prediction tool that can accurately anticipate and replicate realistic audio experiences. Therefore, this study explores the realm of acoustic virtual reality (AVR) through a critical review with the purpose of elucidating design attributes and determining factors in generating immersive acoustic VR experiences. In light of these findings, the aim of this paper is to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework that will serve as a beneficial guide and road map for future researchers and developers in the field.

Effects of appearance and gender on pre-touch proxemics in virtual reality.

Virtual reality (VR) environments are increasingly popular for various applications, and the appearance of virtual characters is a critical factor that influences user behaviors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of avatar and agent appearances on pre-touch proxemics in VR. To achieve this goal, we designed experiments utilizing three user avatars (man/woman/robot) and three virtual agents (man/woman/robot). Specifically, we measured the pre-touch reaction distances to the face and body, which are the distances at which a person starts to feel uncomfortable before being touched. We examined how these distances varied based on the appearances of avatars, agents, and user gender. Our results revealed that the appearance of avatars and agents significantly impacted pre-touch reaction distances. Specifically, those using a female avatar tended to maintain larger distances before their face and body to be touched, and people also preferred greater distances before being touched by a robot agent. Interestingly, we observed no effects of user gender on pre-touch reaction distances. These findings have implications for the design and implementation of VR systems, as they suggest that avatar and agent appearances play a significant role in shaping users' perceptions of pre-touch proxemics. Our study highlights the importance of considering these factors when creating immersive and socially acceptable VR experiences.

Implementation of virtual reality systems for simulation of human-robot collaboration

A collaboration between human and robot can implicate many advantages for complex industrial assembly processes, especially as increased flexibility and adaptability become a key feature of production systems. The use of virtual reality (VR) systems has the potential to simulate cooperative processes in advance and to include workers and their individual behavior into the simulation. The use of VR simulations makes it possible to secure processes and reduce physical and mental barriers between human and robot. This paper presents a methodical approach for the implementation of systems for the virtual testing of collaborative assembly processes. Following the aim of replicating the assembly process with the highest possible immersion, a specific VR system is derived from an analysis of the assembly process. Core features of the system are the physical simulation of the assembly process, the integration of the robot control and a haptic feedback for the operator.

Effectiveness and efficiency of virtual reality designs to enhance athlete development: an ecological dynamics perspective

A rapidly developing area of research is focused on the use of virtual reality (VR) systems to enhance athlete performance in sport. The assumption is that, implementation of such technologies will enhance skill acquisition and expedite athlete development. However, application of such technologies for enriching athlete development and performance preparation needs to be efficiently and effectively used by coaches and athletes to save time, energy and other resources in practice and training. Here, we argue that implementation of VR systems needs to be grounded in theory, with learning designs informed by a clear scientific rationale. We discuss how the full potential of VR systems can be utilised through implementing a theoretical framework, like ecological dynamics, to shape their application. We outline how an ecological dynamics framework can underpin research and applications of VR in athlete development through: (i) individualised training and assessment programmes; (ii) supporting exploration of variable and creative practice environments; (iii) ensuring context-dependent perception and decision making, and actions, where technology permits. An ecological dynamics rationale proposes how VR systems, when carefully implemented, can enrich and enhance learning designs, but can never replace coaching support for learning during physical practice.

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond.

Experimental neuroscience is witnessing an increased interest in the development and application of novel and often complex, closed-loop protocols, where the stimulus applied depends in real-time on the response of the system. Recent applications range from the implementation of virtual reality systems for studying motor responses both in mice and in zebrafish, to control of seizures following cortical stroke using optogenetics. A key advantage of closed-loop techniques resides in the capability of probing higher dimensional properties that are not directly accessible or that depend on multiple variables, such as neuronal excitability and reliability, while at the same time maximizing the experimental throughput. In this contribution and in the context of cellular electrophysiology, we describe how to apply a variety of closed-loop protocols to the study of the response properties of pyramidal cortical neurons, recorded intracellularly with the patch clamp technique in acute brain slices from the somatosensory cortex of juvenile rats. As no commercially available or open source software provides all the features required for efficiently performing the experiments described here, a new software toolbox called LCG was developed, whose modular structure maximizes reuse of computer code and facilitates the implementation of novel experimental paradigms. Stimulation waveforms are specified using a compact meta-description and full experimental protocols are described in text-based configuration files. Additionally, LCG has a command-line interface that is suited for repetition of trials and automation of experimental protocols.

Applying virtual reality in medical communication education: current findings and potential teaching and learning benefits of immersive virtual patients

The purpose of this paper is, first, to summarize a theoretical perspective toward the development of a virtual reality innovation in education. Next, we will describe a virtual character project that is impacting the training of medical students in two institutions. In doing so, we will present a summary of three studies completed over the last 2 years, highlighting specific results from the research. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the impact of these findings on the development and implementation of virtual reality systems for teaching and learning. It is our hope that through providing this study of a virtual reality scenario—experienced by over 100 end-users—from an educational concepts perspective will help others aiming to apply virtual reality to education.

Implementation of VR systems: a comparison between the early adoption of CAD and current uptake of VR

Use of new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), is important to corporations, yet understanding of their successful implementation is insufficiently developed. In this paper a case study is used to analyse the introduction of VR use in a British housebuilding company. Although the implementation was not successful in the manner initially anticipated, the study provides insight into the process of change, the constraints that inhibit implementation and the relationship between new technology and work organization. Comparison is made with the early use of CAD and similarities and differences between empirical findings of the case study and the previous literature are discussed.