A virtual reality pegboard test shows performance does not always match user preference

Digital hand interactions are some of the widespread and helpful functions that digital actuality (VR) techniques supply customers. However, as a brand new Concordia-led research reveals, private choice stays an vital think about how the know-how is utilized, whatever the impact on general efficiency.

In a paper introduced on the IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) in October 20203, the researchers shared their findings from experiments involving individuals performing repetitive duties on a VR-based Purdue Pegboard Check (PPT).

One of many many functions of PPT is as a therapeutic instrument for sufferers who’ve suffered neurological harm, similar to a stroke. It’s designed to enhance gross and fine motor skills.

The individuals have been outfitted with a VR headset. They have been then instructed to choose up a digital object and place it in a gap as shortly and as precisely as doable. Variations concerned utilizing dominant and non-dominant fingers, each fingers and meeting duties.

The duties have been repeated throughout three separate modes. Within the first occasion, the consumer’s digital hand was opaque, which means they might not by see by it. Within the second occasion, the define of the consumer’s hand was seen however the hand itself was clear. And within the third case, the hand disappeared as soon as the peg was picked up.

Metrics similar to period, downtime, motion time, path size, linear velocity, angle and angular velocity have been recorded.

The opaque fingers have been discovered to have carried out noticeably slower. Customers opened their fingers extra narrowly and carried out fewer duties when in comparison with invisible hand visualization.

“This is what we hypothesized, because the invisible hand visualization does not occlude the object the participant is holding,” says lead writer Laurent Voisard. “The invisible hand provides customers extra management and lets them see the place they’re putting their peg higher. It additionally will increase motor dexterity when performing actions requiring fantastic hand actions. This case might be used to create simpler and environment friendly medical functions in VR.

“But the participants did not all necessarily prefer the invisible hand,” he provides. “In fact, 10 participants said they preferred the transparent hand while seven chose the opaque hand. Seven others selected the invisible hand.”

Members who most popular the clear hand emphasised that they felt the fingers and the setting have been simpler to understand on the identical time. In addition they mentioned it was straightforward to work together with the objects.

Members who most popular the opaque hand mentioned actions have been simpler to trace and management. Conversely, individuals who favored the invisible hand mentioned they discovered it simpler and extra comfy to perform the duty and to know when it was accomplished.

Personalizing dwelling rehab

The researchers say they hope the research can function a foundation for extra analysis. Potential subjects embody how VR and PPT can be utilized therapeutically, and the way they are often utilized in technical fields similar to surgical procedure planning.

“Every individual is different, so they will have different preferences. That is why we recommend giving users the choice of how they visualize their VR experience,” says co-author Anil Ufuk Batmaz, an assistant professor the Division of Pc Science and Software program Engineering on the Gina Cody Faculty of Engineering and Pc Science. Batmaz can be the director of the EXIT Lab.

“One visualization may have better results. But if it is not preferred by users, then they may not use the system at all.”

“The PPT is often used as a diagnostic tool by neurologists for people who have suffered brain injuries or strokes. However, it can also be used for rehabilitation,” notes co-author Marta Kersten-Oertel, an affiliate professor in the identical division and the director of the Utilized Notion Lab.

“Studies like ours show the best interaction methods for doing this type of rehabilitation at home in a virtual environment.”

Amal Hatira and Mine Sarac at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, Turkey, additionally contributed to this research.