Head-mounted display versus computer monitor for visual attention screening: A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Occupational safety and health
• Human-computer interaction
• Psychometric testing

Background:

• Visual attention is critical for work tasks; deficits increase occupational accident risk.
• Computer monitor (CM)-based visual attention tests are effective but impractical in some work settings.
• Head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer a potential solution for portable and standardized testing environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the HMD version of a visual attention test as an alternative to the CM version.
• To assess the psychometric properties, functionality, and usability of the HMD visual attention test.
• To determine if the HMD provides a standardized testing environment compared to CM.

Main Methods:

• Thirty participants (20-29 years) completed the visual attention test on both CM and HMD setups.
• Performance data from the HMD and CM tests were compared.
• Results were also compared with normative data previously collected using a CM.

Main Results:

• Participant performance was significantly lower on the HMD compared to the CM.
• Performance data in this study using CM differed significantly from previous CM normative data.
• The HMD version demonstrated good reliability and no issues with functionality or usability.

Conclusions:

• The HMD visual attention test is a reliable tool for assessing visual skills in complex environments.
• The HMD offers a standardized testing environment, addressing limitations of CM-based assessments.
• This VR tool shows promise for monitoring attentional states to prevent workplace accidents.