VR Space Research Articles

Body, space, and time in virtual reality leisure experience: a phenomenological inquiry

ABSTRACT Leisure takes its action in space and time. Virtual reality manipulates this spatiotemporal premise to imitate a leisure experience. This study examined virtual leisure from a phenomenological perspective and with a phenomenological method. A model of virtual leisure experience involving the body, space, and time was postulated. Results showed that virtual reality is distinguishable from reality by its technologically mediated consciousness. The physical body is a connector by which the real and the virtual penetrate each other. The virtual space encases a corporeal body, a habitual body, and a body in technology. Time in virtual reality is condensed into a personal time that the body intuits and an impersonal time that the body remembers. Matters regarding consciousness of VR body, space, and time and meaningful leisure in an increasingly virtual world were discussed.

Differential functions of the dorsal and intermediate regions of the hippocampus for optimal goal-directed navigation in VR space

Goal-directed navigation requires the hippocampus to process spatial information in a value-dependent manner, but its underlying mechanism needs to be better understood. Here, we investigated whether the dorsal (dHP) and intermediate (iHP) regions of the hippocampus differentially function in processing place and its associated value information. Rats were trained in a place-preference task involving reward zones with different values in a visually rich virtual reality environment where two-dimensional navigation was possible. Rats learned to use distal visual scenes effectively to navigate to the reward zone associated with a higher reward. Inactivation of both dHP and iHP with muscimol altered the efficiency and precision of wayfinding behavior, but iHP inactivation induced more severe damage, including impaired place preference. Our findings suggest that the iHP is more critical for value-dependent navigation toward higher-value goal locations.

Differential functions of the dorsal and intermediate regions of the hippocampus for optimal goal-directed navigation in VR space.

Goal-directed navigation requires the hippocampus to process spatial information in a value-dependent manner, but its underlying mechanism needs to be better understood. Here, we investigated whether the dorsal (dHP) and intermediate (iHP) regions of the hippocampus differentially function in processing place and its associated value information. Rats were trained in a place-preference task involving reward zones with different values in a visually rich virtual reality environment where two-dimensional navigation was possible. Rats learned to use distal visual scenes effectively to navigate to the reward zone associated with a higher reward. Inactivation of both dHP and iHP with muscimol altered the efficiency and precision of wayfinding behavior, but iHP inactivation induced more severe damage, including impaired place preference. Our findings suggest that the iHP is more critical for value-dependent navigation toward higher-value goal locations.

Smell perception in virtual spacecraft? A ground‐based approach to sensory data collection

SummaryThe study explored context‐driven food odour perception with links to chemical profiling of flavour compounds. Participants rated the intensity of three food odours (vanilla, almond, lemon) in a Neutral context and VR simulation of the International Space Station. The study involved 54 adults aged 18–39 years with no history of motion sickness and/or vertigo. The VR context demonstrated significantly higher intensity ratings for vanilla (P = 0.009) and almond (P < 0.001) odours, compared to the Neutral context. Clustering based on perceived intensity identified that those less sensitive to the odours perceived significantly stronger almond odour in VR (P = 0.011). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis linked these findings to benzaldehyde, a common compound in both vanilla and almond odours. Therefore, a VR space context may impact odour perception, subject to their volatile composition and individual sensitivity. This underscores VR's potential as a ground‐based analogue for future sensory research, translating across similar settings beyond the space context.

3D Hand Motion Generation for VR Interactions Using a Haptic Data Glove

Recently, VR-based training applications have become popular and promising, as they can simulate real-world situations in a safe, repeatable, and cost-effective way. For immersive simulations, various input devices have been designed and proposed to increase the effectiveness of training. In this study, we developed a novel device that generates 3D hand motion data and provides haptic force feedback for VR interactions. The proposed device can track 3D hand positions using a combination of the global position estimation of ultrasonic sensors and the hand pose estimation of inertial sensors in real time. For haptic feedback, shape–memory alloy (SMA) actuators were designed to provide kinesthetic forces and an efficient power control without an overheat problem. Our device improves upon the shortcomings of existing commercial devices in tracking and haptic capabilities such that it can track global 3D positions and estimate hand poses in a VR space without using an external suit or tracker. For better flexibility in handling and feeling physical objects compared to exoskeleton-based devices, we introduced an SMA-based actuator to control haptic forces. Overall, our device was designed and implemented as a lighter and less bulky glove which provides comparable accuracy and performance in generating 3D hand motion data for a VR training application (i.e., the use of a fire extinguisher), as demonstrated in the experimental results.

아리랑 축제 활성화를 위한 가상현실(VR) 전시 공간의 개발 연구

This study aims to propose a plan for developing an Arirang Festival exhibition space using the virtual reality of the metaverse to preserve Arirang and promote local cultural development. Arirang is a unique music of the Korean people, and preserving and passing it down is an important factor in cultural development. However, several problems were raised at the Arirang Festival, which plays a big role in revitalizing Arirang. Therefore, this study aims to develop an exhibition space for the Arirang Festival based on virtual reality, a core technology of the metaverse. Based on the Mil-ryang Arirang Festival, which has the longest history, and the Jeongseon Arirang Festival, this study aims to identify issues and propose a new virtual reality exhibition space to address them. We analyze examples of VR exhibition spaces revitalizing local culture, propose themes and components for the Arirang VR space. Additionally, we prepare experiential contents highlighting regional characteristics for a harmonious virtual space. To enhance participation across generations, promote Arirang's heritage and tourism, and expand engaging contents, we offer 3D Arirang experiences, storytelling videos, traditional avatar games, and virtual tours. Through these efforts, we aim to promote the sustainable development of the Arirang Festival and hope that Arirang can expand to a wider audience across generations.

, virtual reality embodying philosophical and conceptual heritage

ABSTRACT In this paper, we introduce the <Sunghaksipdo VR> project, which is based on Sunghaksipdo (聖學十圖). Known as the Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning, Sunghaksipdo was a heritage created by Toegye, the Korean Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty. While conveying philosophical concepts such as Li (理) and Gyung (敬) and their spiritual values of mindfulness from the heritage to VR, we have focused on reconnecting the original visual diagrams and texts into perceivable VR experiences. We approached this task through the following: (1) by constructing conceptual and philosophical VR space and environments based on the original diagrams, (2) by creating conceptual objects inside VR, and (3) by designing diverse user interactions with such virtual conceptual objects. Particularly the interactions allow the user’s embodied experience and performative engagement, which become a way of understanding the meaning of the philosophical message. While explaining these with diverse exemplary cases, we hope to show how new media and interactive VR technologies can be used to realize philosophical concepts and spiritual value. Through this, we hope to discuss how VR could be imagined as a tangible philosophy discovering the plane of immanence.

Being an older person: modulation of walking speed with geriatric walking motion avatars

The phenomenon of one’s walking speed being affected by that of other pedestrians on the street is often observed in real-world scenarios. However, the effects of the motion and familiarity of avatars on a user in virtual reality have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study explored how alterations in human avatars affect the walking speed and sensation of users. Furthermore, walking speed has been shown to be influenced not only by visual perception but also by cognition. However, few studies have investigated the relationships between visual perception, cognition, and behavior. Therefore, we examined the relationships between stereotypical words for older people, a representative example of cognition-induced changes in walking speed, and visual perception stimuli of avatars. The results revealed a significant interaction between the stereotype and avatar walking motion. In particular, in the absence of the stereotype, participants were strongly affected by the older walking motion of the avatar, and their walking speed decreased. We also found that the walking motion of avatars significantly affects participants walking speed and sensation. These findings provide pioneering insights into the psychological factors that regulate human walking speed and propose a new method for manipulating the user’s walking speed and sensation in VR space.

Immersive Storytelling in Social Virtual Reality for Human-Centered Learning about Sensitive Historical Events

History is a subject that students often find uninspiring in school education. This paper explores the application of social VR metaverse platforms in combination with interactive, nonlinear web platforms designed for immersive storytelling to support learning about a sensitive historical event, namely the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The goal was to design an alternative method of learning history and investigate if it would engage students and foster their independence. A mixed-methods research design was applied. Thirty-four (n = 34) adult participants engaged in the interactive book and VR space over the course of three weeks. After an online workshop, feedback was collected from participants through a custom questionnaire. The quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed statistically utilizing IBM SPSS, while the qualitative responses were coded thematically. This study reveals that these two tools can enhance historical education by increasing student engagement, interaction, and understanding. Participants appreciated the immersive and participatory nature of the material. This study concludes that these technologies have the potential to enhance history education by promoting active participation and engagement.

Use of geometry and featural cues in landmark configurations to reorient DCD children to the VR space: A route-learning study

Background. Working memory-based spatial cognition has attracted the attention of the scientific community in navigation and reorientation projects. The dominant approach considers that spontaneous spatial navigation behavior is based merely on environmental geometry (built and natural environmental objects). In this domain, DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) motor skill orientation problems have been frequently associated with poor visuospatial cognition, while immersive VR environments encourage more repetition, allowing for faster motor skill development and recovery. Objective. This pilot study tested the functionality of an immersive VR environment with environmental geometry (rectangular arena rich in symmetry) and featural landmark cues (striped wall, flora) as a route-learning tool for children with motor skill disorders. Methods. Forty DCD children aged 5 to 8 years (20 boys and 20 girls); five (5) 3D reality modeling setups with orthogonality, symmetry, and striped walls as design parameters; and trial walk-through coordination exercises using a predefined visual pathway with different motor control conditions (daylight, darkness). Participants’ path completion rate, path completion time, and walk-through satisfaction were recorded as route-learning performance variables and analyzed statistically. Results/findings. DCD children’s spatial orientation was statistically shown to be more stable and robust (in path completion rates, termination time, and walk-through level of satisfaction) in a virtual 3D environment rich in orthogonality, symmetry, and featural cues as landmarks. In this compound environmental geometry setup, training functionality and immersive learning performance enjoyed an 8.16% better path completion rate, a 12.37% reduction in path completion time, and 32.10% more walk-through satisfaction than reality modeling setups poor in geometry and landmarks. The effectiveness and robustness were validated statistically. Conclusion. Children with motor skill difficulties train and learn better in virtual 3D environments that are rich in orthogonality, symmetry, and featural landmark cues.

Assessing Virtual Reality Spaces for Elders Using Image-Based Sentiment Analysis and Stress Level Detection.

Seniors, in order to be able to fight loneliness, need to communicate with other people and be engaged in activities to keep their minds active to increase their social capital. There is an intensified interest in the development of social virtual reality environments, either by commerce or by academia, to address the problem of social isolation of older people. Due to the vulnerability of the social group involved in this field of research, the need for the application of evaluation methods regarding the proposed VR environments becomes even more important. The range of techniques that can be exploited in this field is constantly expanding, with visual sentiment analysis being a characteristic example. In this study, we introduce the use of image-based sentiment analysis and behavioural analysis as a technique to assess a social VR space for elders and present some promising preliminary results.

Effects of wood texture and color on aesthetic pleasure: two experimental studies

The texture and color on wood are key factors that influence an individual's perception of it. However, little research has been done to confirm what kind of pattern in textures and colors are more likely to evoke individual aesthetic pleasure. Therefore, twenty-four decorative wood from northern China were selected, identified, and quantified in their colors with a CR-5 Colorimeter. We picked out eight kinds of wood with optimal texture characteristics through feature-fusion wood grain recognition (FWGR) and enhanced the texture features with photoshop in VR space. The result show that, in the color dimension, woods in the hue range of 20-25 and saturation of 65-75 were considered beautiful for individual perception of aesthetic. In the texture dimension, the size of the space affects the individual's preference for texture. When the pattern of the wood ray is continuous and clear, the individual's perception of its fluidity is enhanced; while for the fuzzy and interrupted pattern of the wood ray, the individual does not follow the fluidity of the line but focuses on the overall uniformity.

Scripting, space design and user movement in room-scale VR: Storytelling strategies to direct gesture and gaze.

This text draws on the experience of developing and exhibiting two room-scale VR artworks in order to discuss the relationship between scripting, virtual space design, and interactive design with the audience’s movements and expected position in the VR and physical space. Different design and scripting strategies allow or impede to anticipate the specific position of the audience at every given time, and this anticipation is key to articulate the virtual elements in a way that responds to not just the gaze but also the overall movement of the person wearing the headset. Both artworks present different approaches from this point of view. In comparing them, two main design choices are shown to particularly affect this possibility of anticipation: simplicity vs. complexity of visual and interactive elements, and sequencing vs. simultaneity. While none of the design strategies is more desirable than the other per se, these conclusions shed some light on how to script and design for VR experiences in terms of deciding how much the artist wants to control, or anticipate, the body movements of their audience when experiencing their piece.&amp;nbsp;

The use of virtual reality technology in training transport industry specialists

The issue is relevant under consideration i due to the rapid development of virtual and augmented reality technologies (VR, AR), their active use in education and all engineering and technology areas which requires the development of competencies additional to those already existing in federal standards, which expand knowledge, skills and abilities of students by immersing them in the virtual reality mode. The results of the analysis of information on the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the educational process can be used in the development of VR / AR simulators for training transport industry specialists. The study developed a lesson based on the VR technology for logistics and transport management students and a lesson flow chart and modelled a scenario for VR space using 3D models and visualization. The study showed that it is necessary to use VR-technologies in training transport industry specialists to improve knowledge and skills in mastering disciplines related to the transport industry.

A STUDY ON POSSIBILITY OF VR SPACE IN DESIGN EDUCATION

In this study, we examined the possibility of VR space for education of the building design. We confirmed that subjects’ scale feeling improved significantly after training by VR outdoor space. We also found that large scales longer than 10 m had lower training effects than small scales shorter than 10 m, The result suggests that the binocular parallax may make difficult to judge the length accurately in cases where there are long distances between the viewpoint and the object.

Using Virtual Reality Technology in the Design of Complex Systems

This article provides a concrete example for using and creating a virtual environment for computer-aided design of complex systems. The subject area is design, and the object of research is an aircraft. CAD creates a parameterized 3D model, which is demonstrated and processed on a virtual stage using special equipment. Special equipment such as the HTC Vive Pro virtual reality helmet and the included controllers. The virtual assistant of the designer allows you to create detailed parameterized models of an aircraft, in particular, a transport aircraft based on the An-124 Ruslan, and virtual reality helps the user to learn more about the created project and make the necessary optimization edits directly in VR space. By changing the model in VR space, it will change in the main project. The work is a continuation of the development of a decision-making system, a virtual assistant to the designer: "Robot designer", whose application interface has been defined. The main control menu for the user in virtual space is shown, and the aircraft with the fuselage skin and cockpit removed is also shown. Plans for further use of virtual reality technology in the design of complex systems and training of specialists with the profile of aircraft engineers are presented.

Personalization of virtual reality for treatment of mental disorders by using a unified morphometric indicator

IntroductionThe search for approaches to creating a precision personalized virtual reality for the treatment of mental disorders is urgent. (Belkasim, 2005; Park M.J. et all., 2019).ObjectivesTo develop a new approach to personalize the form of virtual reality content to the neurophysiological and anatomical parameters of the patient’s brain, to improve the quality of precision VR therapy for mental disorders.MethodsThe MRI study was carried out on a GE Optima 450w apparatus with a magnetic field induction of 1.5 Tesla. We used a radio frequency coil for the head. T1-weighted images were obtained with a field of view (FOV) of 24.4 x 14.8 cm and a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Later, the images were built in three standard mutually perpendicular planes. Measurements were carried out using standard tools on an eFilm 4.0 WorkStation. FreeSurfer 4.5.0 was used to calculate the surface area of the cerebral hemispheres. To estimate the surface area of the room and the design of the shape in VR closed environment Autodesk AutoCAD 2018.ResultsA new approach to personalization of the form of virtual reality content has been developed (Patent No. RU (11) 2 668 697 (13) C1, 2018;Patent No. RU (11) 2 753 234 (13) C1, 2020). It is based on the use a single morphometric indicator for a closed VR space and brain.ConclusionsResearch and applied analysis of the developed approach is required. The development of this area will make it possible to create precision products for the therapy and rehabilitation of mental disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Construction and Application of Virtual Reality-Based Sports Rehabilitation Training Program.

This paper adopts virtual reality technology to conduct in-depth research and analysis on sports rehabilitation training, designs a corresponding sports rehabilitation training program, and applies it to practice. An AR algorithm based on dynamic target tracking under VSLAM is proposed. The algorithm can effectively reject dynamic targets in static scenes while ensuring that the virtual objects registered based on dynamic template target tracking are still in the world coordinate system of VSLAM. To facilitate patients' hand function rehabilitation training, this paper uses OpenPose for 2D gesture pose recognition, combines camera pose information and depth information provided by VSLAM to map key points of the hand into the world coordinate system, and then completes the interaction by collision detection algorithm. The virtual interaction module is implemented in this paper to meet the demand for multiuser off-site interaction in virtual training. This paper uses the Unity3D software and Photon Server server to create a VR virtual scene and design a user interaction mechanism to realize a system that supports multiple users to train together online, which effectively extends the application scope of the VR training system. The module utilizes Unity3D's VR development capabilities to develop VR virtual basketball gym scenes and single-player offline interaction mechanisms such as virtual user single shooter and shooter; then, Photon Server is used to design and implement a multiuser remote login system and a multiuser interpass mechanism, thus achieving the effect of multiplayer remote online interaction in the same VR space. Finally, the proposed module was validated, and the results proved the effectiveness of the sports rehabilitation training program.

ЗРИТЕЛЬ В ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ ВИРТУАЛЬНОЙ РЕАЛЬНОСТИ: ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ПЛАНЕТАРНОЙ ОПТИКИ

ЗРИТЕЛЬ В ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ ВИРТУАЛЬНОЙ РЕАЛЬНОСТИ: ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ПЛАНЕТАРНОЙ ОПТИКИ

Research Into improved Distance Learning Using VR Technology

Practical skill-based education requires exemplary face-to-face operational teaching, and VR can enhance online distance learning, facilitating an alternative form of “face-to-face” teaching, which results in better teacher–student communication and learner self-efficacy. It also constitutes as a useful substitute for in-person teaching, and it also has a positive impact on learning effectiveness. In this study, a mixed-method approach was used, which utilized the following methodologies: a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, document collection, case and comparative analysis, and VR teaching that utilizes “You, Calligrapher” as a survey tool. Teachers and students of art were selected, who then used an educational VR-based calligraphy game application for teaching activities. We investigated the impact of virtual time, space, and technical availability on learners’ understanding, imagination, and interactivity in VR education, and then we evaluated the positive impact via learner feedback. Research tools that we utilized consist of comprehension, imagination, and how feedback motivation scales with effective learning; we have also used Chinese calligraphy performance tests. The SPSS statistical analysis software was used for related statistical processing, and α was set to 0.05. The results of this study indicated that Chinese calligraphy studies in VR time and space affect students’ understanding and imagination but not their operational abilities. According to our research, a fundamental difference between traditional and modern teaching methods is a shift toward the use of VR (and the internet) in education. Therefore, the focus of this study is on understanding the impact on practical skills during distance learning and investing the impacts in order to form an effective approach to the use of VR in education.