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Examining the Results of Virtual Reality-Based Egocentric Distance Estimation Tests Based on Immersion Level.
Tibor Guzsvinecz1, Erika Perge2, Judit Szűcs1
1Department of Information Technology and Its Applications, Faculty of Information Technology, University of Pannonia, Gasparich M. utca 18/A, 8900 Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 30, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) and desktop displays impact depth perception differently. Understanding these virtual environment factors is crucial for accurate egocentric distance estimation in VR applications.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
- Perception Psychology
Background:
- Virtual environments offer training for depth perception and egocentric distance estimation.
- Inaccurate distance estimations are a known issue in virtual reality (VR) environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing egocentric distance estimation in virtual environments.
- To compare distance estimation accuracy and time between desktop displays and VR headsets.
Main Methods:
- Developed a virtual environment with 11 adjustable factors.
- Assessed egocentric distance estimation in 239 participants (157 desktop, 72 Gear VR) across distances from 25 cm to 160 cm.
Main Results:
- Desktop users showed more accurate or overestimated distances, with significant overestimations at 130 cm and 160 cm.
- Gear VR users significantly underestimated distances between 40 cm and 130 cm, but overestimated at 25 cm.
- Estimation times were significantly reduced when using the Gear VR.
Conclusions:
- Display type (desktop vs. Gear VR) significantly affects egocentric distance estimation accuracy and speed.
- Developers must consider these display-specific effects when designing virtual environments requiring accurate depth perception.
