Users In Virtual Reality Environments Research Articles

Sanal Gerçeklik Deneylerinde Algılanan Bulunma Hissinin İncelenmesi

Expressed as a set of tools and techniques that create an emotional and psychological experience for users, virtual reality technology depends on the principle that users can feel themselves in the presented universe and as a part of the presented scenario. The concept called "presence" in the literature is accepted as one of the key elements that make virtual reality technology unique and become the focus of virtual reality-based studies. In this study, it is aimed to examine whether the level of sense of presence felt by users in virtual reality environments differs according to the demographic characteristics of individuals. In this direction, the virtual holiday experiment, designed using the Unity program, has been experienced by 50 participants between the ages of 18-55, selected through quota sampling, and the data obtained as a result of the experiments were analyzed via the SPSS 21.0 program. As a result of the study, all null hypotheses were supported, and it was determined that there was no significant relationship or difference between the demographic characteristics of the participants and their sense of presence in virtual reality environments. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Sence of Presence, Experiment Method, Virtual Reality Experience JEL Codes: C91, M31

The Influence of Display Parameters and Display Devices over Spatial Ability Test Answers in Virtual Reality Environments

This manuscript analyzes the influence of display parameters and display devices over the spatial skills of the users in virtual reality environments. For this, the authors of this manuscript developed a virtual reality application which tests the spatial skills of the users. 240 students used an LG desktop display and 61 students used the Gear VR for the tests. Statistical data are generated when the users do the tests and the following factors are logged by the application and evaluated in this manuscript: virtual camera type, virtual camera field of view, virtual camera rotation, contrast ratio parameters, the existence of shadows and the device used. The probabilities of correct answers were analyzed based on these factors by logistic regression (logit) analysis method. The influences and interactions of all factors were analyzed. The perspective camera, lighter contrast ratio, no or large camera rotations and the use of the Gear VR greatly and positively influenced the probability of correct answers on the tests. Therefore, for the assessment of spatial ability in virtual reality, the use of these parameters and device present the optimal user-centric human–computer interaction practice.

Electro-Tactile Feedback System to Enhance Virtual Reality Experience

Virtual Reality (VR) has been proven to be capable of enabling its users to experience immersive virtual environments and interact with the computer. Most VR applications utilize stereo visual perception, however, stereo visual perception alone is not enough to fully immerse users in VR environments. Haptic feedback technology when applied to VR applications can offer improved immersion and interactivity and can extend the range of sensations experienced by the user. For example, tactile feedback can enable the user to feel an object they touch with their virtual hand or body. To provide tactile feedback in VR applications most researchers construct cumbersome mechanical actuators and linkages for applying feedback forces or vibrations to the user's real hand or body. Having to wear cumbersome feedback hardware can have the negative effect of making the user more aware of their physical body which can reduce the sense of being immersed in the VR world. To overcome this drawback we propose an alternative feedback system which is comprised of a hand gesture interface, a stereo visual head-set and an electro-tactile feedback system. Our electro-tactile feedback system is compact, simple, inexpensive and capable of delivering a variety of feedback sensations to the user. Experimental results are provided which demonstrate how the electro-tactile feedback system can enhance both the sense of immersion and interactivity for VR users.