VR Content Research Articles

Development of Virtual Reality-Based Left Brain System

This paper proposes a virtual reality based Left Brain System named BrainUp World to improve left brain thinking. The left-brain system was employed with mobile virtual reality technology, hand motion tracking and haptic feedback system. The implementation of these systems is to enhance the experience and sense of embodiment. BrainUp World includes virtual reality-based brain training games to improve a person’s attention level, reasoning skill, auditory cognition, arithmetic skill, sequencing skill and memory. The hand tracking system was utilized with an IR camera to capture the hand orientation and return the gesture data to the VR application. A low-cost and lightweight haptic glove was invented which provides the sense of touch using vibrations while interacting with VR contents. An experimental study was conducted to assess the efficacy of BrainUp World compared to traditional PC-based training approaches. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR-based or PC-based training group and underwent 6 different games to test a person’s attention level, reasoning skill, auditory cognition, arithmetic skill, sequencing skill, and memory. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in left brain function in the VR-based training group compared to the PC-based group, with a T-score growth of 4.73. Analysis using ANOVA confirmed the significance of this difference (p-Value = 0.04). Notably, the study also identified age-related differences in thinking fluency, highlighting the importance of personalized cognitive training interventions. In conclusion, BrainUp World demonstrates the potential of VR technology in promoting left brain development, as evidenced by empirical findings from the conducted study. By offering immersive and interactive cognitive training experiences, VR-based systems hold promise for enhancing various aspects of cognitive function associated with left hemisphere dominance. Further research in this area is encouraged to explore the full potential of VR-based interventions for cognitive enhancement.

Human Factors and Ergonomics Guidance for VR Content Creation

Human Factors and Ergonomics Guidance for VR Content Creation

Development and Validation of a Tool for VBOI (Virtual Body Ownership Illusion) Level Assessment

Virtual Body Ownership Illusion (Virtual BOI) refers to the perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral changes that occur due to the illusion that a virtual body is one’s own actual body. Recent research has focused on inducing Virtual Body Ownership Illusion (Virtual BOI) using various physical conditions of VR environments such as haptic feedback and 360-degree immersion, among others. The level of Virtual BOI has been recognized as an important factor in VR-based clinical therapy programs where patient immersion is crucial. However, a common issue is the lack of standardized evaluation tools for Virtual BOI, with most experiments relying on ad hoc tools based on experimental conditions or lacking consideration for the physical design elements of VR. This measurement tool was designed to consider the characteristics of recent VR devices, such as haptics and hand tracking, in the design of experiments and questionnaires. The tool is composed of sub-attributes related to VR technology, including Embodiment, Presence, Visuo-tactile, Visuo-proprioceptive, and Visuo-Motor. Based on a review of the existing literature, we hypothesized that the Virtual BOI scores would vary depending on manipulation methods, viewpoints, and haptic conditions. An experiment was conducted with 39 participants, who performed the same task under four different conditions using a virtual hand. Virtual BOI scores were assessed using the evaluation tool developed for this study. The questionnaire underwent CFA, and three items with factor loadings below 0.5 were removed, resulting in a total of 14 items. Each subscale demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values greater than 0.60. When developing experiments, clinical programs, or VR content related to Virtual BOI, the evaluation tool presented in this study can be used to assess the level of Virtual BOI. Additionally, by considering technological elements such as haptics and hand tracking, VR environments can be designed to enhance the level of Virtual BOI.

Light Fields Stitching for Windowed-6DoF VR Content

Light Fields Stitching for Windowed-6DoF VR Content

Innovative Approaches to Stress Reduction: A Review of Virtual Reality Therapy in University-Going Students

Students face unique challenges in terms of stress and Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) is emerging as a novel method for managing it. It has immersive and engaging nature that makes it potentially more effective stress management tool. Objective: To analyzed the effectiveness of VRT in managing stress among university students. It also evaluates student willingness to adopt these interventions compared to traditional methods. Methods: Narrative approach was used to review existing literature, focusing on studies that assessed the impact of VRT on student stress levels. Data were analyzed considering variations in VR content, delivery format, and participant demographics. Results: The review revealed that students generally show a willingness to use VRT for stress management but the effectiveness of these interventions was inconsistent. VRT using natural environments especially with greenery was more effective in reducing stress as compared to virtual settings. However, some studies reported no significant difference between VRT and traditional methods. Conclusions: VRT has potential in enhancing student well-being but its effectiveness was influenced by the type of VR content, delivery method, and individual characteristics. The limitations suggest that VRT was not a definitive solution to stress. This shows that further research was needed to optimize VRT interventions and to implement them to broader academic settings.

The psychological influence of perceived destination attributes in 360° virtual tours on tourists’ responses

ABSTRACT A 360° virtual tour experience integrates videos and smartphones to evoke tourists’ cognition, emotion, and heightened intentions. The present study investigates the impact of perceived destination attributes on information-seeking and destination visit intention when tourists are presented with a 360° virtual tour experience. The Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework is extended to investigate this mechanism by incorporating perceived destination attributes as a stimulus, tourists’ perceived confidence, confirmation, and satisfaction as an organism, and information seeking and visit intention as a response. Data was collected from 260 tourists in India. The results reveal the strong influence of 360° media in generating perceived destination attributes, which has a significant and positive association with tourists’ perceived confidence and destination satisfaction. Findings based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) reveal that destination satisfaction is a strong predictor of information-seeking, and confirmation is a predictor of destination visit intention. The implications provide valuable insights to Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs), VR content creators, and policymakers for effectively promoting VR videos for tourism.

The Design and Usability of Virtual Reality Content Using Eyes for Students with Severe Disabilities

The purposes of this study were to develop the design of virtual reality content using eyes and to investigate the usability of the virtual reality content for nonverbal students with severe disabilities. A 360-degree video in which a narrator introduces scientific activities (momentum, earthquake, gravity, robot dance) and experiences them at Chungnam Science Education Center was produced. Next, the virtual reality content for the video were designed for users to manipulate image buttons with their eyes so that users can select and experience images. Users can select and view images of scientific activity by staring and blinking using the HTC-VIVE Pro Eye, which combines eye tracking technology. The virtual reality content using eyes were designed and developed in accordance with the guidelines for supporting self-determination of students with severe disabilities. In order to investigate the usability of the VR content, 37 special education teachers who had special teacher certificates and had experience in teaching students with severe disabilities answered questions after using the VR content. The teachers evaluated as "neutral" in some usability evaluation categories (e.g., Self-determination, Ease of manipulation, Ease of Understanding, Effectiveness, Efficiency of class preparation, Efficiency in teaching, Appropriateness of content organization). When developing VR contents for students with severe disabilities, developers can design visual images in order for students with severe disabilities to understand easily and establish user interface in users’ eye conditions and operational capabilities. VR contents can be designed in relation to subject areas so that teachers can use them as educational materials.

Investigating book reading experiences in VR

In this study, we investigated reader experiences on reading in VR. The study was conducted with undergraduate students ( N = 40) who read a chapter of the Turkish novel. In the four different groups read the same chapter of the novel in different formats: print, digital, audio, and VR. In this context, firstly we measured cognitive activities using EEG device while participants were reading. Secondly, they answered the questions about the recall of the details of the chapter they read and reading experiences in VR. Result of the research, we found that reading in VR had significantly higher levels of engagement and stress cognitive activity. E-book and VR experiences can increase the accurate recall of details more than printed books. In addition, VR can increase the comfort of the book reading experience by providing a personalized reading environment through the VR content that enables users to select their virtual environment.

Cybersickness with passenger VR in the aircraft: Influence of turbulence and VR content

Using VR in the airplane cabin is appealing, primarily because of the enhanced entertainment value, increased privacy, and improved recreational opportunities provided by higher levels of immersion. However, VR applications in aircrafts contain the risk of passengers developing cybersickness. The particular environment of a moving aircraft in interaction with visual representation of movements in VR could lead to severe cybersickness, especially during turbulence. We had 129 participants experience VR in a full flight simulator with different content (static or dynamic VR clips) and during varying phases of flight including turbulence. The employed simulator is equipped with a cabin module, creating an economically valid environment. VR induced significant but mild symptoms of cybersickness. Nausea and dizziness symptoms were most severe during turbulence and especially with dynamic VR content being presented. More anxious participants tended to report more symptoms. In addition, there was an association with video game use and attitudes toward new technologies. While mild content and short exposure times only led to fairly low expressions of cybersickness, a long-term use of VR under turbulence could possibly become a concern. Airlines should especially address passengers’ negative attitudes toward new technologies, and VR in particular, to reduce fears and the risk of low tolerability.

A Study on the Correlation between VR Content and Cybersickness

A Study on the Correlation between VR Content and Cybersickness

A New Training Method for VR Sickness Reduction

In this paper, we propose a training method to reduce the VR sickness that occurs while viewing VR content with an HMD on. The proposed approach is a new method that involves pre-exposing users to VR sickness to enable them to adapt to VR sickness. In the proposed method, the training process was designed based on the features of existing studies related to exposure and adaptation to motion sickness and simulator sickness. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated through experiments with 15 subjects (SSQ and VR sickness response were used in the analysis). As a result of the experiment, nausea was significantly decreased by 47%, and oculomotor discomfort was significantly decreased by 34% after the proposed training method. The VR sickness response decreased by 31%; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, we analyzed the VR sickness response in two groups: those whose sickness decreased and those whose sickness increased. We confirmed that the decrease group (pre-experiment mean: 1.34 times, post-experiment mean: 0.58 times) had a larger change than the increase group (pre-experiment mean: 0.31 times, post-experiment mean: 0.42 times). Therefore, from the experimental results, it was confirmed that the proposed method is effective in reducing VR sickness.

Creating VR Content for Training Purposes

Creating VR Content for Training Purposes

Story Starter: A Tool for Controlling Multiple Virtual Reality Headsets with No Active Internet Connection

Immersive events are becoming increasingly popular, allowing multiple people to experience a range of VR content simultaneously. Onboarders help people do VR experiences in these situations. Controlling VR headsets for others without physically having to put them on first is an important requirement here, as it streamlines the onboarding process and maximizes the number of viewers. Current off-the-shelf solutions require headsets to be connected to a cloud-based app via an active internet connection, which can be problematic in some locations. To address this challenge, we present Story Starter, a solution that enables the control of VR headsets without an active internet connection. Story Starter can start, stop, and install VR experiences, adjust device volume, and display information such as remaining battery life. We developed Story Starter in response to the UK-wide StoryTrails tour in the summer of 2022, which was held across 15 locations and attracted thousands of attendees who experienced a range of immersive content, including six VR experiences. Story Starter helped streamline the onboarding process by allowing onboarders to avoid putting the headset on themselves to complete routine tasks such as selecting and starting experiences, thereby minimizing COVID risks. Another benefit of not needing an active internet connection was that our headsets did not automatically update at inconvenient times, which we have found sometimes to break experiences. Converging evidence suggests that Story Starter was well-received and reliable. However, we also acknowledge some limitations of the solution and discuss several next steps we are considering.

액티브 시니어를 위한 마음치유 VR 콘텐츠 디자인 개발

This study addresses the increasing psychological issues among the elderly in South Korea, including a rising suicide rate. The focus is on developing mind-healing VR content for active seniors, emphasizing the need for psychologically oriented care services. The research involves analyzing active seniors' characteristics, defining mind-healing, exploring VR content concepts, and proposing designs based on user surveys. Recommendations include diverse content development, interactive pet features, personalized guidance, and integrated management systems. The goal is to contribute to psychological health management in South Korea's aging society.

증강현실에서의 가상현실 콘텐츠 시청 경험과 사이버 멀미

증강현실에서의 가상현실 콘텐츠 시청 경험과 사이버 멀미

스포츠 VR 콘텐츠 품질과 여가만족, 지속사용의도의 구조적 관계

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of quality factors of sports VR content on participants' leisure satisfaction, and the effect of leisure satisfaction on continuous use intention. For this purpose, in this study, data were collected by conducting a questionnaire survey on 200 male and female adult consumers who had experience with sports VR contents, and the causal relationship between variables was analyzed using the collected data through a structural equation model. As a result of the study, it was derived that the important variable leading to participant satisfaction of sports VR contents according to the information system success model is service quality, and that the higher the participant's leisure satisfaction, the higher the intention to continue using sports VR contents. Through this, in developing sports VR content that can satisfy consumers, it is necessary to make an effort to provide the presence of a number of sports experts and advisors participating in the participation of the participants as if they were actually participating in sports activities, and to promote continuous interaction with consumers.

Roblox Graffiti Art Using Virtual Reality Devices: Reality and Spatial Presence in a Virtual Space

Graffiti makes a city’s landscape beautiful while simultaneously being considered illegal and violating a city’s cleanliness and respect for public spaces. To solve these problems, we present metaverse virtual-world technology. Within the metaverse, graffitists can freely create, share works, and express themselves through graffiti art by virtually reproducing the walls or public facilities of a city. The created virtual space used by the graffitists in this paper is Sungnyemun, a traditional Korean heritage site. When comparing Roblox PC content and VR content experiences through IPQ surveys, it was confirmed that participants in the VR content experienced a high level of realism and local presence. Accordingly, there is a new possibility for graffiti to be recognized as a form of urban culture and artistic expression through the metaverse.

Questionnaire survey of virtual reality experiences of digestive surgery at a rural academic institute: A pilot study for pre-surgical education.

We developed a prototype VR platform, VECTORS L&M (VLM), aiming to enhance the understanding of digestive surgery for students, interns, and young surgeons by limiting costs. Its efficacy was assessed via questionnaires before implementation in surgical education. The VLM provides nine-minute VR views of surgeries, from both 180- and 360-degree angles. It was created with L.A.B. Co., Ltd. and incorporates surgery videos from biliary malignancy patients. Following VLM development, a survey was conducted among surgeons who had experienced it. Twenty-eight participants (32% of observers) responded to the survey. A majority (81%) reported positive experiences with the VR content and showed interest in VR video production, though some reported sickness. Most respondents were experienced surgeons, and nearly all believed VR was important for medical education with a mean score of 4.14 on a scale of up to 5. VR was preferred over 3D printed models due to its application versatility. Participants expressed the desire for future VR improvements, such as increased mobility, cloud connectivity, cost reduction, and better resolution. The VLM platform, coupled with this innovative teaching approach, offers experiential learning in intraabdominal surgery, effectively enriching the knowledge of students and surgeons ahead of surgical education and training.

Examining United Nations VR Content Production Usage of Experiential Media in Climate Change Storytelling: A Qualitative Analysis

Existing literature indicates the vast potential of VR in climate change storytelling, including VR’s role in increasing pro-environmental behavior, knowledge gains, and climate actions. This study, from a qualitative standpoint, seeks to explore uses of VR in climate change communication by particularly examining how the twelve United Nations VR content production produced as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) utilize experiential media (EM) in climate change storytelling. The study also explores how such VR production frame and contextualize climate change issues; whether the VR productions take a multidisciplinary approach similar to the IPCC 2018 special report; and what dominant themes such UNVR productions highlight pertaining to climate change.

The analgesic effects and neural oscillatory mechanisms of virtual reality scenes based on distraction and mindfulness strategies in human volunteers

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) has been widely used as a non-pharmacological adjunct to pain management. However, there is no consensus on what type of VR content is the best for pain alleviation and by what means VR modulates pain perception. We used three experiments to explore the analgesic effect of VR scenes in healthy adult volunteers. MethodsWe first compared the effect of immersive VR on pain perception with active (i.e. non-immersive, two-dimensional video) and passive (i.e. no VR or audiovisual input) controls at both subjective perceptual (Experiment 1) and electrophysiological (electroencephalography) levels (Experiment 2), and then explored possible analgesic mechanisms responsible for VR scenes conveying different strategies (e.g. exploration or mindfulness; Experiment 3). ResultsThe multisensory experience of the VR environment lowered pain intensity and unpleasantness induced by contact heat stimuli when compared with two control conditions (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The reduced pain intensity rating correlated with decreased P2 amplitude (r=0.433, P<0.001) and increased pre-stimulus spontaneous gamma oscillations (r=−0.339, P=0.004) by 32-channel electroencephalography. A VR exploration scene induced a strong sense of immersion that was associated with increased pre-stimulus gamma oscillations (r=0.529, P<0.001), whereas a VR mindfulness meditation scene had a minor effect on immersive feelings but induced strong pre-stimulus alpha oscillations (r=−0.550, P<0.001), which led to a comparable analgesic effect. ConclusionsDistinct neural mechanisms are responsible for VR-induced analgesia, deepening our understanding of the analgesic benefits of VR and its neural electrophysiological correlates. These findings support further development of digital healthcare.