Vehicle-synchronized rotational peripheral cues reduce motion sickness in in-car virtual reality.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Automotive Technology

Background:

• Standalone VR HMDs are advancing, creating opportunities for in-car VR.
• Motion sickness from sensory conflict is a major barrier to in-car VR adoption.
• Current solutions often require additional hardware, limiting portability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose vehicle-synchronized rotational peripheral (VSRP) cues to mitigate sensory conflict in in-car VR.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of VSRP cues in reducing motion sickness.
• To assess the impact of VSRP cues on primary task performance.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen participants performed a color detection task in a moving vehicle under two conditions: control and VSRP.
• VSRP cues were synchronized with vehicle movement using the HMD's embedded IMU.
• Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) scores and task performance were recorded.

Main Results:

• VSRP cues resulted in a 33% reduction in the total SSQ score.
• No significant compromise in primary task performance was observed with VSRP cues.
• The VSRP method relies solely on the HMD's IMU, requiring no additional hardware.

Conclusions:

• VSRP cues effectively reduce motion sickness in in-car VR.
• This method enhances portability and accessibility for in-car VR applications.
• VSRP cues can extend the duration of VR use during travel by reducing occupant discomfort.