The effect of self-embodiment on distance perception in immersive virtual environments

Abstract

Previous research has shown that egocentric distance estimation suffers from compression in virtual environments when viewed through head mounted displays. Though many possible variables and factors have been investigated, the source of the compression is yet to be fully realized. Recent experiments have hinted in the direction of an unsatisfied feeling of presence being the cause. This paper investigates this presence hypothesis by exploring the benefit of providing self-embodiment to the user through the form of a virtual avatar, presenting an experiment comparing errors in egocentric distance perception through direct-blind walking between subjects with a virtual avatar and without. The result of this experiment finds a significant improvement with egocentric distance estimations for users equipped with a virtual avatar over those without.