Level of presence or engagement in one experience as a function of disengagement from a concurrent experience
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Authors
Lawson, John P.
Subjects
Modeling and simulation
Measuring presence
Virtual environments
Virtual reality
Computer graphics
Measuring presence in VE
Measuring presence in VR
Telepresence
Measuring presence
Virtual environments
Virtual reality
Computer graphics
Measuring presence in VE
Measuring presence in VR
Telepresence
Advisors
Darken, Rudolph P.
Falby, John S.
Date of Issue
1998-09-01
Date
September 1998
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
It is uncertain what effect presence has on virtual environments (VEs) but it is believed to enhance both learning and enjoyment. To date, there exists only subjective methods of measuring the level ofpresence in VEs. In order to effectively utilize VE technology, it isnecessary to gain a greater understanding of presence and thefactors that affect it. Therefore, we need to develop a quantifiable method of measuring presence. This metric would provide a framework for design requirementsfor predictable, repeatable performance in VEs. To investigatea proposed new metric, 70 individuals participated in an experiment based on the dual taskparadigm of attention theory. Thepurpose of the experiment was todetermine the level of presence orengagement in one experience asa function of disengagement from a concurrent experience. Participants received two simultaneous experiences, one virtual, the other real, and were given quizzes on each to determine their focus of attention at various stages. Results indicate (1) HMDs occlude all but one of concurring experiences preventing the dividing of attentional resources. (2) Including sound increases the level of engagement in an experience and allows for dividing of attentional resources between concurrent experiences. (3) Responses to previously established presence questionnaires correlate strongly with this new measurement of engagement indicating that this method does have validity. (4) Primed participants exhibit a decrease in levels of engagement in both experiences due to the focus of attention being divided.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Computer Science
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
xiv, 144 p.;28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.