Evaluation and Benefits of Head-Mounted Display Systems for HRI Research

Abstract

The intent of this evaluation is to describe the unique benefits that may be provided to human robot interaction (HRI) researchers by the capabilities of commercially available binocular head-mounted displays (HMDs) and associated handheld controllers. Three popular HMDs (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Google Daydream) were compared across eight factors: cost, head tracking fidelity, visual resolution, user mobility, hand tracking fidelity, number of input modes, adaptability of input, and provided tracking space. Each of these elements was considered in the context of their relevance to the field of HRI, and potential importance for conducting research in immersive virtual reality (IVR). A Pugh chart was developed to succinctly compare the pros and cons of each headset alongside a description of IVR tasks for HRI military research as well as examples taken from work currently being conducted in our lab.

A Discussion on Accessibility, Inclusivity, Cultural Design Considerations, and Health & Safety Advisories for Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays

“…For decades, virtual reality (VR) technology was beyond the reach of consumers due to prohibitive costs and high degrees of technical knowledge required, which limited the scope of VR to primarily research and industry (Bailey & Bailenson, 2017;Rivu et al, 2021). Today, VR is becoming ubiquitous, growing exponentially in recent years with new technological innovations that have improved utility and decreased costs of commercially available head-mounted displays (HMDs) (Rivu et al, 2021;Bendell et al, 2018).…”

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

“…VR enables users to experience immersive presence within a three-dimensional environment, commonly portrayed through a head-mounted display (HMD) (Chessa, 2019). These virtual environments (VEs) incorporate objects, structures, and sensory information which can be navigated, explored, and engaged with for the goal of enhancing human perception by creating a sense of real-world physicality and substance (Bendell et al, 2018;Wann, 1996).…”

“…Human factors aspects of HMDs and VR environments include visual display (e.g., resolution, acuity), user experience (e.g., comfort levels), image degradation (e.g., rendering distortions, lag), human-computer interaction (e.g., oculomotor stress, vergence-accommodation conflict), and human performance limitations (e.g., "cybersickness") (Chessa, 2019;Peli, 1996). Other elements include cost, fidelity, adaptability, and user mobility (Bendell et al, 2018). Among these, visual acuity and perception within the visual field remain principal determinants for displaying effective VEs using HMDs (Stanney, 1998).…”

“…A realistic level of visual acuity enables users to see clearly and distinguish object features. Visual acuity in HMDs have benefitted from improved image quality and resolution yet many systems still fall behind the processing and perception of the naked eye (Bendell et al, 2018;Peli, 1996). In practice, environmental and situational conditions also affect humans' perceptions and detection of visual stimuli; one such condition is lighting and contrast.…”

A Discussion on Accessibility, Inclusivity, Cultural Design Considerations, and Health & Safety Advisories for Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays

“…For decades, virtual reality (VR) technology was beyond the reach of consumers due to prohibitive costs and high degrees of technical knowledge required, which limited the scope of VR to primarily research and industry (Bailey & Bailenson, 2017;Rivu et al, 2021). Today, VR is becoming ubiquitous, growing exponentially in recent years with new technological innovations that have improved utility and decreased costs of commercially available head-mounted displays (HMDs) (Rivu et al, 2021;Bendell et al, 2018).…”