The Effects of Average vector of Reversed Optical flow for mitigating cyber-sickness in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technology has gained popularity in various fields, but one of the main challenges is cybersickness(CS), which occurs when there is a mismatch between the user's visual and vestibular systems in a virtual environment(VE). Optical flow can induce CS by activating specific areas of the brain. While previous studies have shown methods for reducing CS, these methods often result in lower immersion. Our study aims to reduce CS and enhance presence by using the average of reversed-optical flow and vignetting. We applied the average vectors of reversed-optical flow to peripheral area in order to make the sum of the optical flows of the entire frame zero. We compared scenes in four conditions (a scene with no stimulation, a scene with vignetting, a scene with reversed optical flow and a scene with both vignetting and reversed optical flow). Some surveys were used to evaluate the extent of CS relief and presence enhancement using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire and the Presence Questionnaire. Subsequently, we concluded that our method is effective to reduce CS without compromising the presence using those questionnaires.