Interactive Virtual Reality Research Articles

Enhancing Calculus Learning through Interactive VR and AR Technologies: A Study on Immersive Educational Tools

In the realm of collegiate education, calculus can be quite challenging for students. Many students struggle to visualize abstract concepts, as mathematics often moves into strict arithmetic rather than geometric understanding. Our study presents an innovative solution to this problem: an immersive, interactive VR graphing tool capable of standard 2D graphs, solids of revolution, and a series of visualizations deemed potentially useful to struggling students. This tool was developed within the Unity 3D engine, and while interaction and expression parsing rely on existing libraries, core functionalities were developed independently. As a pilot study, it includes qualitative information from a survey of students currently or previously enrolled in Calculus II/III courses, revealing its potential effectiveness. This survey primarily aims to determine the tool’s viability in future endeavors. The positive response suggests the tool’s immediate usefulness and its promising future in educational settings, prompting further exploration and consideration for adaptation into an Augmented Reality (AR) environment.

Vision-inertial collaborative localization of multi-agents with remote interaction

In collaborative missions, it is crucial for each agent to have a clear understanding of the status among others. Therefore, various related works have been conducted, including virtual reality interactions and real-life swarm jobs. However, these types of collaborations still face certain limitations: (i) Limited distance: In virtual reality, users interact with others over a network within a predefined area and are unable to move over longer distances. (ii) Weak/non-GPS signals: Swarm jobs, which rely solely on localization information like GPS, often suffer from drift or interruptions. Moreover, significant location devices are rarely deployed in consumer-grade products. To address these challenges, we propose a multi-agent collaborative localization framework based on Camera, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and a remote interaction module. This framework not only achieves globally consistent localization but also overcomes the distance limitations of WIFI or Bluetooth. Additionally, we tackle the issue of scale ambiguity in visual-inertial collaborative localization. Simulations and physical experiments validate the effectiveness of our proposed multi-agent collaboration with remote interaction. Unlike traditional applications that depend on external devices like Motion Capture Devices or GPS, our system achieves globally consistent localization internally.

Dynamics of Eye Dominance Behavior in Virtual Reality.

Prior research has shown that sighting eye dominance is a dynamic behavior and dependent on horizontal viewing angle. Virtual reality (VR) offers high flexibility and control for studying eye movement and human behavior, yet eye dominance has not been given significant attention within this domain. In this work, we replicate Khan and Crawford's (2001) original study in VR to confirm their findings within this specific context. Additionally, this study extends its scope to study alignment with objects presented at greater depth in the visual field. Our results align with previous results, remaining consistent when targets are presented at greater distances in the virtual scene. Using greater target distances presents opportunities to investigate alignment with objects at varying depths, providing greater flexibility for the design of methods that infer eye dominance from interaction in VR.

Социальное манипулирование молодежью в интернет-пространстве: сравнение России и США

The emergence of humanity into the digital age has led to transformations in societal consciousness and socio-cultural space, thus highlighting the relevance of studying issues of social interaction in virtual reality. Due to pervasive digitization, the phenomenon of social manipulation has also taken on a pervasive character, espe-cially concerning the younger generation, whose life orientations and values are still in the process of for-mation. The article provides a sociological analysis of the concept of youth in the internet space as an object of social manipulation. It identifies the characteristics of the internet space that contribute to the spread of covert control practices in virtual reality. The author develops a theoretical-conceptual model of social manipulation in the internet space, based on which its subjects, goals, channels, and methods are described. The distinctive features of the application of modern technologies for social manipulation of youth in Russia and the USA are revealed.

Evaluating a virtual reality dementia training experience using psychophysiological methods: A randomised controlled study.

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used for training the dementia care workforce. It is unknown whether VR is superior to traditional training techniques in improving dementia care amongst practicing nurses. This study compared the impact of a VR application on nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards people living with dementia, to video-based, non-immersive training. Twenty-two registered and enrolled nurses were randomised to either interactive VR experience or video footage captured from within the app. Participants completed surveys pre- and post-training to assess their knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards dementia and person-centredness. Engagement with training was assessed objectively using facial electromyography, and subjectively with self-reported scales. Virtual reality evoked objectively significant greater positive and negative emotional responses than video (positive emotion fEMG: VR mean .012 mV vs. video .005 mV, F[1, 20] = 8.70, p = .01; negative emotion fEMG: VR mean .018 mV vs. video .008 mV, F[1, 20] = 18.40, p < .001). Self-ratings of engagement and emotional state were similar. There was little change in the VR group's knowledge of, and attitudes towards, dementia; the video group's dementia knowledge improved (total DKAS mean differences: VR .1 t = .07, df = 9, p = .95 vs. video -2.3 t = -2.265, df = 11, p = .045). Virtual reality is more engaging than traditional training in highly experienced dementia care practitioners. Despite this, VR may not be superior to traditional training techniques to improve knowledge and attitude for many learners. A focus of future research in the area should be on how to capitalise on VR's greater emotional engagement so that Australia's nursing workforce is better equipped to care for the increasing number of people living with dementia.

Development of Machine Tool Disassembly and Assembly Training and Digital Twin Model Building System based on Virtual Simulation

In response to the issues of poor safety and insufficient training equipment in traditional machine tool assembly and disassembly training, this paper proposes a machine tool assembly and disassembly training system based on virtual simulation. The system utilizes Unity 3D to construct an interactive virtual training environment, achieving highly simulated simulations and teaching of the machine tool assembly and disassembly process. Additionally, the system is capable of establishing communication with actual machine tools, achieving bidirectional mapping between digital and physical spaces, allowing learners to observe the dynamic responses of machine tool models through the virtual environment. This virtual-real interaction mechanism enriches the application scenarios of the system, introducing digital twin technology into the virtual simulation of machine tool assembly and disassembly training. This paper also provides a detailed introduction to the design and implementation of core technologies such as the system's overall architecture, scene modeling, and virtual-real interaction, offering significant support for intelligent teaching in machine tool assembly and disassembly.

Enhancing Fixation and Pursuit: Optimizing Field of View and Number of Targets for Selection Performance in Virtual Reality

Gaze interaction in virtual reality (VR) offers promising advantages in speed and hands-free operation. However, selecting a suitable selection mechanism in VR interfaces with different visual encodings remains a challenge. This research compares two visual input techniques and explores specific visual elements, including field of view (FOV), design style, and number of targets, with the goal of alleviating these problems. The pilot study identifies two search stages, and it also demonstrates a significant effect of FOV on search time. In the formal experiment, a gaze-based trigger experiment is employed to examine the selection performance of fixation and smooth pursuit. The results reveal that optimizing FOV and number of targets improves the triggering efficiency. Furthermore, fixation outperforms pursuit in terms of triggering time and accuracy under the same conditions, while cognitive load during triggering process remains relatively similar. These findings are expected to propose design recommendations to enhance fixation and pursuit within VR interfaces.

Semi‐Solid Stretchable Carbon Nanotubes Inkpad for Hand‐Based Haptic Interaction

AbstractDexterity and perceptual abilities of the hand are crucial in virtual reality (VR) interactions. This necessitates haptic gloves capable of accurately measuring finger movements and ensuring comfort, a challenging combination that demands both high sensitivity and stretchability. A flexible sensor fabricated from semi‐solid material CNTs‐Inkpad composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) mixed with silica gel is proposed and its real‐time response can be achieved by controlling the ratio. Its semi‐solid form harnesses CNTs' high conductivity and sensitivity, avoiding structural cracking in solid CNTs during extensive stretching, thus the semi‐solid form can adapt to various hand gestures. This mechanism enables the CNTs‐Inkpad to function as strain sensors with high gauge factors (GF = 16.99) and high extensibility (350%). By integrating ten CNTs‐Inkpad sensors and five vibrators, a thin and lightweight haptic glove is developed with high sensitivity and stretchability. The glove enables collaborative measurement of all finger joints required for typical gestures in VR interactions, suitable for motion detection and haptic feedback.

Reaching interactions in virtual reality: the effect of movement direction, hand dominance, and hemispace on the kinematic properties of inward and outward reaches

Recent literature has revealed that when users reach to select objects in VR, they can adapt how they move (i.e., the kinematic properties of their reaches) depending on the: (1) direction they move, (2) hand they use, and (3) side of the body where the movement occurs. In the present work, we took a more detailed look at how kinematic properties of reaching movements performed in VR change as a function of movement direction for reaches performed on each side of the body using each hand. We focused on reaches in 12 different directions that either involved moving inward (toward the body midline) or outward (away from the body midline). Twenty users reached in each direction on both left and right sides of their body, using both their dominant and non-dominant hands. The results provided a fine-grained account of how kinematic properties of virtual hand reaches change as a function of movement direction when users reach on either side of their body using either hand. The findings provide practitioners insights on how to interpret the kinematic properties of reaching behaviors in VR, which has applicability in emerging contexts that include detecting VR usability issues and using VR for stroke rehabilitation.

Automatic Control of Virtual Cameras for Capturing and Sharing User Focus and Interaction in Collaborative Virtual Reality

As VR technology advances and network speeds rise, social VR platforms are gaining traction. These platforms enable multiple users to socialize and collaborate within a shared virtual environment using avatars. Virtual reality, with its ability to augment visual information, offers distinct advantages for collaboration over traditional methods. Prior research has shown that merely sharing another person’s viewpoint can significantly boost collaborative efficiency. This paper presents an innovative non-verbal communication technique designed to enhance the sharing of visual information. By employing virtual cameras, our method captures where participants are focusing and what they are interacting with, then displays these data above their avatars. The direction of the virtual camera is automatically controlled by considering the user’s gaze direction, the position of the object the user is interacting with, and the positions of other objects around that object. The automatic adjustment of these virtual cameras and the display of captured images are symmetrically conducted for all participants engaged in the virtual environment. This approach is especially beneficial in collaborative settings, where multiple users work together on a shared structure of multiple objects. We validated the effectiveness of our proposed technique through an experiment with 20 participants tasked with collaboratively building structures using block assembly.

How to prepare for conversations with children about suspicions of sexual abuse? Evaluation of an interactive virtual reality training for student teachers

BackgroundTraining for child interviewing in case of suspected (sexual) abuse must include ongoing practice, expert feedback and performance evaluation. Computer-based interview simulations including these components have shown efficacy in promoting open-ended questioning skills. ObjectiveWe evaluated ViContact, a training program for childcare professionals on conversations with children in case of suspected abuse. Participants and setting110 student teachers were divided into four groups and took part either in a two-hour virtual reality training through verbal interaction with virtual children, followed by automated, personalized feedback (VR), two days of online seminar training on conversation skills, related knowledge and action strategies (ST), a combination of both (ST + VR), or no training (control group, CG). MethodsWe conducted a pre-registered, randomized-controlled evaluation study. Pre-post changes on three behavioral outcomes in the VR conversations and two questionnaire scores (self-efficacy and – undesirable – naïve confidence in one's own judgment of an abuse suspicion) were analyzed via mixed ANOVA interaction effects. ResultsCombined training vs. CG led to improvements in the proportion of recommended questions (ηp2 = 0.75), supportive utterances (ηp2 = 0.36), and self-efficacy (ηp2 = 0.77; all ps < .001). Both interventions alone improved the proportion of recommended questions (VR: ηp2 = 0.67, ST: ηp2 = 0.68, ps < .001) and self-efficacy (VR: ηp2 = 0.24, ST: ηp2 = 0.65, ps < .001), but not supportive utterances (VR: ηp2 = 0.10, ST: ηp2 = 0.13, both n. s.). ConclusionsThe combination of VR and ST proved most beneficial. Thus, VR exercises should not replace, but rather complement classical training approaches.

Probing quantum entanglement from quantum correction to newtonian potential energy

Inspired by string theory ideas, we probe quantum entanglement from the gravitational potential energy. Concretely, we reconsider the study of quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential energy by treating a massive two-particle system m 1 and m 2 with size dimensions r 1 ad r 2 where the two particles separated by a distance d are under only their mutual classical gravitational interaction Vrr1,r2 . Exploring such a size-dependent gravitational behavior and taking the limit r 1, r 2 ≪ d, we investigate the associated quantum biparticle state and express its evolution after an interaction time τ. Among others, we show that the two masses cannot be separable due to the induced gravitational entanglement in terms of the accumulated quantum phase δ ϕ = δ V g τ/ℏ. By analogy with the classical gravity, we derive the expression of the resulting extremely weak entanglement force from the corresponding gravitational entanglement energy. Then, we provide certain entanglement diagnostics.

(262) Virtual Reality for Improved Vasectomy Experience: Insights from a Single-Center Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction Vasectomy is a widely performed procedure for male sterilization, with an estimated 33 million procedures conducted annually worldwide. Although vasectomy is generally safe and associated with minimal complications, concerns over procedural pain and anxiety can deter patients from pursuing the procedure. To address these concerns, innovations such as no-needle and no-scalpel techniques have been adopted to minimize pain during vasectomy. However, anticipated pain and anxiety remain significant barriers for patients. Therefore, optimizing patient comfort during procedures performed under local anesthesia is crucial for improving outcomes and satisfaction. Virtual reality (VR) devices have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for pain modulation in various medical fields. VR technology has demonstrated pain reduction and anxiety alleviation in pediatric burn therapy, physical therapy, dental procedures, and more. The adult urologic community has also embraced VR, with positive results observed in surveillance cystoscopy and office-based prostate biopsy procedures. However, limited research exists on the use of VR headsets during vasectomy, with only one previous non-randomized trial reporting high patient satisfaction but no improvement in pain or anxiety. In this ongoing single-center, randomized, open-label clinical trial, we present interim data evaluating the effectiveness of the SmileyScope VR device in reducing anxiety and pain during in-office vasectomy performed with local anesthesia. Objective The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) devices in alleviating peri-procedure anxiety and pain during in-office vasectomy performed with local anesthesia. The secondary goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of interactive VR, enabling patient control of the experience, with static VR, which does not provide patient control. Methods The study enrolled patients who were scheduled for in-office vasectomy with a single urologist. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group receiving standard in-office vasectomy without a VR headset, the static VR intervention group, or the interactive VR intervention group. The primary outcome measures included patient-reported pain and anxiety levels before and after the procedure, along with heart rate measurements recorded using a wearable device. Results Interim analysis of this ongoing study includes data from a total of 58 men. 20 men were in the control group, 19 in the static VR arm, and 19 in the interactive VR arm. There was no observed difference in subjective pain scores or heart rate variability during the procedure. However, patients who wore a VR headset reported a significantly lower level of pre-procedure anxiety (P = 0.0700). Conclusions Anticipation of periprocedural pain and anxiety are barriers to vasectomy utilization. Initial results from our ongoing randomized clinical trial indicate that the utilization of virtual reality is feasible, safe, and effective in reducing pre-procedure anxiety in patients undergoing vasectomy. Disclosure No.

A Virtual Reality Scene Taxonomy: Identifying and Designing Accessible Scene-Viewing Techniques

Virtual environments (VEs) afford similar interactions to those in physical environments: individuals can navigate and manipulate objects. Yet, a prerequisite for these interactions is being able to view the environment. Despite the existence of numerous scene-viewing techniques (i.e., interaction techniques that facilitate the visual perception of virtual scenes), there is no guidance to help designers choose which techniques to implement. We propose a scene taxonomy based on the visual structure and task within a VE by drawing on literature from cognitive psychology and computer vision, as well as virtual reality (VR) applications. We demonstrate how the taxonomy can be used by applying it to an accessibility problem, namely limited head mobility. We used the taxonomy to classify existing scene-viewing techniques and generate three new techniques that do not require head movement. In our evaluation of the techniques with 16 participants, we discovered that participants identified tradeoffs in design considerations such as accessibility, realism, and spatial awareness, that would influence whether they would use the new techniques. Our results demonstrate the potential of the scene taxonomy to help designers reason about the relationships between VR interactions, tasks, and environments.

Computer vision meets metaverse

&lt;p&gt;This comprehensive analysis delves into the historical progression and important technological and contemporary advancements of computer vision inside the metaverse. The metaverse, which can be characterized as an interactive virtual reality environment that mirrors the physical world, signifies a novel domain for the utilization of computer vision in various applications. These applications span from object identification and tracking to gesture recognition and augmented reality. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of specific case studies occurs to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. Despite notable progress, the incorporation and utilization of computer vision inside the metaverse present numerous obstacles, including computational expenses, apprehensions regarding data privacy, and the faithful replication of physical aspects of reality. Potential solutions are examined, including deep learning approaches, optimization strategies, and the formation of ethical guidelines. A comprehensive analysis of anticipated patterns within the industry is also included, with emphasis on the confluence of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain technologies. These convergences are predicted to create substantial prospects for the advancement of the metaverse. This review culminates by offering a contemplation on the ethical considerations and duties that arise from the utilization of computer vision in the realm beyond mortal existence. Research findings demonstrate that these technologies have greatly augmented user engagement and immersion within the digital domain. Readers can enhance their understanding of the interdependent connection between computer vision and the metaverse through the present analysis of existing scholarly works. Thus, this study aspires to make a valuable contribution to the advancement of research in this new domain.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Retracted: Optimization of Business English Teaching Based on the Integration of Interactive Virtual Reality Genetic Algorithm

Retracted: Optimization of Business English Teaching Based on the Integration of Interactive Virtual Reality Genetic Algorithm

Designing a 3D gestural interface to support user interaction with time-oriented data as immersive 3D radar charts

The design of intuitive three-dimensional user interfaces is vital for interaction in virtual reality, allowing to effectively close the loop between a human user and the virtual environment. The utilization of 3D gestural input allows for useful hand interaction with virtual content by directly grasping visible objects, or through invisible gestural commands that are associated with corresponding features in the immersive 3D space. The design of such interfaces remains complex and challenging. In this article, we present a design approach for a three-dimensional user interface using 3D gestural input with the aim to facilitate user interaction within the context of Immersive Analytics. Based on a scenario of exploring time-oriented data in immersive virtual reality using 3D Radar Charts, we implemented a rich set of features that is closely aligned with relevant 3D interaction techniques, data analysis tasks, and aspects of hand posture comfort. We conducted an empirical evaluation (n=12)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(n=12)$$\\end{document}, featuring a series of representative tasks to evaluate the developed user interface design prototype. The results, based on questionnaires, observations, and interviews, indicate good usability and an engaging user experience. We are able to reflect on the implemented hand-based grasping and gestural command techniques, identifying aspects for improvement in regard to hand detection and precision as well as emphasizing a prototype’s ability to infer user intent for better prevention of unintentional gestures.

3D Multimodal Sensing and Feedback Finger Case for Immersive Dual‐Way Interaction

AbstractWith the rapid development of virtual reality (VR) technology, artificial intelligence , and the Internet of Things , a new era of immersive interaction with the digital world has emerged. In this context, a novel soft finger case with 3D multi‐modal sensing and feedback functions (3D‐SFC) is presented. The device leverages multiple material properties to create a modulated fingertip haptic feedback for the perception of orientation and force, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensing with dynamic and static responses and control of movement, and thermal feedback based on resistive heating of TENG electrodes. The integrated TENG tactile sensing unit in the device is capable of recognizing the texture of an object's surface, providing users with a more natural and intuitive way of interacting with digital objects. The spatial consistency of multi‐modal sensing and feedback enhances human‐machine interaction in various fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and assembly, and gaming, etc. The proposed device represents a new intelligent sensing solution for achieving cross‐space sensory interaction, opening up new possibilities for the future of VR and digital interaction.

An innovative approach in physical education: Exploring the impact of interactive virtual reality on motor skills

Background Problems: Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have expanded its practical application in enhancing physical activity and motor skill acquisition among children. Research Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of interactive virtual reality software on the motor skills of 11- to 12-year-old elementary school children. Methods: Employing a quantitative approach with quasi-experimental methods, the research was conducted on 34 students from Lontar 481 Public Elementary School in Surabaya, selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used in the physical education learning process using virtual reality media include pre-test and post-test stages, which combine understanding of motor skills, practice, and evaluation by the teacher based on the correctness, fluency, and completeness of student actions. The procedure involved the treatment of experimental group subjects using virtual reality for 40 minutes in the control group, which was carried out conventionally. It was analysed using SPSS via a t-test, and the significance level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Findings/Results: These findings showed a significant positive impact of virtual reality technology on students' motor development and confidence in performing movements, compared to the control group who underwent traditional learning. Conclusion: Research shows that utilising virtual reality programmes increases students' confidence in learning physical activities, especially for those at lower performance levels. The novelty of this research lies in its demonstration of virtual reality's capacity to improve children's motor competence in the context of physical education. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to physical activity and motor skills regarding the use of virtual reality media for elementary school children.

An Era in Jinling: Game Interactive Heritage Digital Art Exhibition

Summary The ‘An Era in Jinling’ Heritage Digital Art Exhibition, which focuses on the interactive virtual reality game environment created by the audience's experience, is an immersive digital art exhibition composed of the audience, the hardware system of the digital exhibition environment and the virtual digital environment presented. As a game-interactive immersive digital art exhibition in a heritage exhibition, it invites the audience to take a personal digital role in the exhibition and use the game-interactive method to enjoy an immersive digital exhibition. This paper aims to engage audiences through the ‘audience-centric’ exhibition of digital art, allowing them to use their senses to enjoy immersive exhibitions of digital art. This paper also demonstrates how digital art exhibitions of history can provide new insights to the general public in the preservation and exploration of cultural heritage.