Unveiling the Impact of Hand Visibility in Virtual Reality Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) systems offer users a plethora of applications, and one of the most common and useful is hand interaction. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Concordia University reveals that personal preferences still play a significant role in the adoption of this technology, irrespective of its overall impact on performance.

Presented at the International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) in October 2020, the study showcased the findings of experiments where participants performed repetitive tasks on a virtual Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT).

The PPT is widely utilized as a therapeutic tool for patients who have experienced neurological damage, such as a stroke. It aims to enhance both general and fine motor skills.

Equipped with VR headsets, participants were instructed to pick up virtual objects and place them into holes as quickly and accurately as possible. Variations included using their dominant hand, non-dominant hand, both hands, and assembly tasks.

The tasks were repeated under three different conditions. The first condition involved the participant’s virtual hand being non-transparent, meaning they couldn’t see through it. In the second condition, the outline of the hand was visible, but the hand itself was transparent. Lastly, in the third condition, the hand disappeared after picking up an object.

Metrics such as duration, pauses, movement time, path length, linear velocity, angle, and angular velocity were recorded.

The results showed that non-transparent hands performed the tasks noticeably slower. Users exhibited more finger constriction and completed fewer tasks compared to when the hand was not visible.

Instead of using a quote, it can be described that the non-transparent hand visualization hindered participants’ performance and reduced their efficiency in making precise hand movements. On the other hand, transparent or disappearing hand visuals could be instrumental in developing more effective and efficient medical applications in VR.

However, not all participants preferred the non-transparent hand visualization. Surprisingly, 10 participants preferred the transparent hand, while seven chose the non-transparent hand. Another seven opted for the disappearing hand.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are some applications offered by VR systems?
VR systems offer users various applications, including hand interactions.

2. What is the purpose of the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) in virtual reality?
The Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) aims to improve both general and fine motor skills, particularly in the therapy of patients with neurological impairments.

3. What different hand visibility conditions were examined in the experiment?
The experiment examined three different conditions: non-transparent hand, transparent hand, and disappearing hand after picking up an object.

4. What metrics were recorded during the experiment?
Metrics such as duration, pauses, movement time, path length, linear velocity, angle, and angular velocity were recorded.

5. What conclusions can be drawn from the experiment’s results?
Non-transparent hands performed tasks slower, with reduced accuracy and increased finger constriction compared to transparent hands. However, not all participants preferred the non-transparent hand visualization. Some participants opted for transparent or disappearing hand visuals.

Definitions:

1. Virtual Reality (VR) – a computer-generated environment that simulates the user’s presence and allows interaction with the simulated environment using senses such as sight and sound.

2. Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) – a test used to assess motor skills and the accuracy of hand movements.

3. Neurological damage – damage to the nervous system that can lead to motor and sensory deficits.

Suggested related links:

1. Concordia University
2. International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR)

The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar