Perceiving distance in virtual reality: theoretical insights from contemporary technologies

Area of Science:

• Virtual Reality
• Human Perception
• Computer Science

Background:

• Absolute egocentric distance is consistently underestimated in virtual environments (VEs) compared to the real world.
• This underperception has significant implications for VEs requiring accurate spatial scale, such as in training or simulation.
• Previous research indicates that scale underperception can be mitigated by specific factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize factors influencing absolute distance perception in VEs into observer-inherent and display-inherent characteristics.
• To analyze how these factors affect information sources for absolute distance perception.
• To understand the calibration of scale within virtual spaces and inform future research.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of factors influencing egocentric distance perception in VEs.
• Analysis of how observer experience and display technology characteristics modify distance cues.
• Identification of key cues impacting scale calibration in virtual environments.

Main Results:

• Identified two main categories of factors: observer-inherent and display-inherent.
• Analyzed the influence of these factors on six types of distance perception cues.
• Demonstrated how specific factors can attenuate the underperception of scale in VEs.

Conclusions:

• Observer experience and display technology are crucial for calibrating scale in virtual environments.
• Understanding these factors enhances theoretical models of depth perception in VEs.
• Future research should leverage technological advancements to further refine virtual environment scale perception.