The influence of depth cues on cybersickness

Abstract

The simulation of a (non-)realistic world with Virtual Reality (VR) is gaining in popularity. However, VR has some drawbacks. A big concern is the causation of cybersickness, a form of visually induced motion sickness. It is caused by a conflict between visual and vestibular selfmotion cues. To reduce, minimize or eventually prevent cybersickness, this conflict between actual and virtual self-motion needs to be reduced. This reduction can be established in several ways, depending on the presence of actual self-motion and the visual quality of the virtual environment. Since depth cues are a determining factor in this visual quality, this study aimed to research the influence of depth cues on cybersickness in relation to self-motion. More specifically, it ought to compare the effect of virtual environments with motion parallax and stereoscopic viewing of this environment versus no motion parallax and monoscopic viewing. Due to safety measures regarding COVID-19, only a pilot study has been conducted, limited to testing motion parallax as a depth cue in only situations where actual self-motion is present. The results show no significant effect of motion parallax on cybersickness. However, the data of individual subjects suggests that cybersickness might increase faster in case motion parallax is absent. Further research with a larger sample size and in situations with and without actual self-motion is necessary to gain more insight on the influence of depth cues on cybersickness in relation to self-motion. In addition, the used method could be adjusted to prevent distraction from the virtual environment and to further explore the influence of eye and head movements. Consequentially, virtual environments can be improved reckoning the (absence of) self-motion, leading to a better usability of VR in the future