Real-World Awareness during Immersion

The image is divided into three sections. In the left section, "Anchor Mode" is written in the lower left corner. A chequered chair can be seen standing in a virtual garden. In the middle sections, a UI with the title

Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1145/3663547.3759752 


Description:

VR systems block out the real world to immerse users in virtual environments, and only leaving a designated play area fades the real world back into view. However, being aware of one's surroundings can increase the safety of using VR, a feature not yet available but desired by, for example, people with mobility disability. In this project, we implemented two different strategies to increase real-world immersion: 1) Displaying placeholders for real objects in the virtual world (anchor mode), and 2) Fading in the real world below an adjustable horizon (gradient passthrough mode).  

Design Approach:

We designed our awareness-raising approaches based on literature findings and expert talks with two persons with mobility disability. One of the experts evaluated the two modes in our VR-lab after implementation. 

Implications for VR Experience:

By creating approaches that increase real-world awareness, users can observe their foot placement or identify objects to which they can cling. This increases safety during VR use but could potentially decrease presence in some cases. 

Gallery:

The figure is divided into two sections. In both sections, "VIRTUAL" is written at the top, and "REAL" is written at the bottom. In the left section, a virtual garden with flowerpots can be seen. In the lower half, the view fades into a chair standing in a real-world office. In the right section, an open, virtual closet with a watering can can be seen. The view fades into a real-world view of an office roll container in the lower half. The figure is divided into two parts. In the left section, a chequered chair stands in a virtual garden. In the right section, a chequered table stands in a virtual garden.   

The image is divided into three sections. In the left section, "Anchor Mode" is written in the lower left corner. A chequered chair can be seen standing in a virtual garden. In the middle sections, a UI with the title "Choose your assistance mode" has three checkboxes labeled 1) Anchor Mode, 2) Gradient Passthrough Mode, and 3) None. The UI has a close button at the bottom. In the right section, "Gradient Passthrough Mode" is written in the lower right corner. A virtual garden with flowerpots can be seen. In the lower half, the view fades into a chair standing in a real-world office.   

Implementation Note

The awareness demos are implemented using Oculus library functions and require a Meta Quest 3 headset. 

Sourcecode is available upon reasonable request via mailto:accessvr∂iar.kit.edu.