A Virtual Obstacle Course within Diverse Sensory Environments

Zhu Wang, Anat Lubetzky, Charles Hendee, Marta Gospodarek, Ken Perlin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We developed a novel assessment platform with untethered virtual reality, 3D sounds, and pressure sensing floor mat to help assess the walking balance and negotiation of obstacles given diverse sensory load and/or cognitive load. The platform provides a city-like scene with anticipated/unanticipated virtual obstacles. Participants negotiate the obstacles with perturbations of: auditory load by spatial audio, cognitive load by a memory task, and visual flow by generated by avatars movements at various amounts and speeds. A VR system tracks the position and orientation of the participant's head and feet. A pressure-sensing walkway senses foot pressure and visualizes it in a heatmap. The system helps to assess walking balance via pressure dynamics per foot, success rate of crossing obstacles, available response time as well as head kinematics in response to obstacles and multitasking. Based on the assessment, specific balance training and fall prevention program can be prescribed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationACM SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion, SIGGRAPH 2020
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9781450379687
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 17 2020
EventACM SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion - International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, SIGGRAPH 2020 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: Aug 17 2020 → …

Publication series

NameACM SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion, SIGGRAPH 2020

Conference

ConferenceACM SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion - International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, SIGGRAPH 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period8/17/20 → …

Keywords

  • 3D audio
  • multitasking
  • obstacle
  • pressure sensor
  • walking balance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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