Assessing Simulator Sickness in a See-Through HMD: Effects of Time Delay, Time on Task, and Task Complexity

Abstract

Advances in helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) have permitted the design of "see-through" displays in which virtual imagery may be superimposed upon real visual environments. Such displays have numerous potential applications; however, their promise to improve human perception and performance in complex task environments is threatened by numerous technological challenges. Moreover, users of HMDs may be vulnerable to symptoms associated with simulator sickness. The primary objective of this investigation was to assess subjective ratings of simulator sickness as a function of time delay, time on task, and task complexity. Participants attempted to center a reticle over a moving circular target using a see-through HMD while concurrently performing a visual monitoring task displayed on a computer monitor. Results indicated that simulator sickness ratings varied directly with time on task, while performance efficiency and ratings of perceived mental workload were not mediated by this factor. Furthermore, the time delay manipulation that affected performance efficiency and operator workload did not generally influence SSQ ratings. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for practical implementation of see-through HMDs in multi-task environments.

Hand-Eye Coordination Using a Video See-Through Augmented Reality System

“…The cameras with the height displacement of 35 mm above or below eye level were taking the view from a slightly upper or lower position, which was probably a more comfortable view, avoiding the occlusion of the target or object to be manipulated. Conversely, the extreme upper and lower positions, which were also taking a non-covered view, were not so comfortable positions as they were too far from eye level and the visuo-motoric system could not adjust as well to the shifted view [13] state that the human visuo-motoric system can adjust to certain levels of displacement. However, it becomes more difficult to adjust with the increasing height displacement, so that the extreme upper position with 70 mm significantly differs in terms of performance.…”

“…Time delay and the field of view are important factors that degrade human performance with video see-through systems. Nichols et al (1997) [8]; Neveu et al (1998) [9]; Howarth and Finch (1999) [10]; Adelstein et al (2000) [11]; Kennedy et al (1999) [12]; and Nelson et al (2000) [13] describe the after-effects and fatigue caused by a video see-through HMD. Biocca and Rolland (1998) [14] compared hand-eye coordination with a camera displaced 165 mm forwards and 62 mm above user eyes with the performance while having natural sight, as well as the after-effects of such displacement and revealed significant differences.…”

Latency requirements for head-worn display S/EVS applications

“…o H x 40 o V FOV 36 HMD consisting of a reported nominal latency of 46 msec, simulator sickness ratings varied directly with time on task, not with HMD latency. The results lend credence to the notion that time delay per se is not sufficient for the onset of simulator sickness.…”

The Visual Effects Associated with Head-Mounted Displays

“…Time lag between an individual's action and the system's reaction potentially could influence a user's experience of VIMS symptoms, as it affects human perception of visual and vestibular cues [33,51,64,65]. Therefore, reducing the sensor error of HMD systems may minimize the VIMS experience.…”