Characterization of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity using Head-Mounted Displays in a Virtual Environment: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and personal head-mounted displays (HMDs) can be a viable tool for the presentation of scientifically accurate and valid demonstrative data in the courtroom. However, the capabilities and limitations of the technology need to be fully characterized. The current pilot study evaluated visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using two commercially available HMDs (Oculus Rift and HTC Vive Pro). Preliminary findings indicated that visual acuity and contrast sensitivity experienced in VR may be less than what is experienced in real-world scenarios. The current pilot study provides a quantitative approach for characterizing the limitations of VR with respect to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, and provides recommendations for the appropriate use of this technology when performing forensic investigations and developing visualization tools.

Identification of Visual Functional Thresholds for Immersion Assessment in Virtual Reality

“…It is also slightly higher than the threshold of 23.3% that we found when applying Dolhasz et al (2016) contrast offset threshold equation to our context. The difference may be the corollary of the poorer contrast sensitivity of observers using an HMD (Sproule et al, 2019). Yet, the value we measured seems to also indicate that perception is done through the peripheral vision field (Lee, 2004).…”

“…Yet, we are unable to identify a functional threshold. We know that the contrast sensitivity of observers using an HMD is poorer than in a real environment (Sproule et al, 2019). Due to a limited range of displayed luminance (Ledda et al, 2004), chromatic aberrations, and insufficient resolution, it has been concluded that VR technology is not able to reproduce standard contrast sensitivity testing (Vivas-Mateos et al, 2020).…”

Evaluation of Visual Acuity and Perceptual Field of View Using the Varjo XR-3 Headset in a Virtual Environment

“…The accuracy of this replication test was evaluated by comparing real-world trials between this study versus Sproule et al (2019). Two-sample unpaired t-tests assuming equal variances were performed across all visual acuity tests.…”

“…In this study, the Snellen, Landolt, and contrast charts were scaled to a test distance of 9ft, 10ft, and 10 ft, respectively. The depth perception tests conducted in Sproule et al (2019) were not replicated in this study.…”

“…Characterizing the foveal and peripheral visual qualities of commercially-available HMDs is useful to better quantifying the capabilities and limitation of VR technology. To this end, Sproule et al (2019) evaluated the visual acuity and contrast sensitivity of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive Pro HMDs in a VE. The study utilized the wall-mounted Snellen "E" and Landolt "C" charts to assess visual acuity (Messina & Evans, 2006).…”