The Accessibility of Commercial Off-The-Shelf Virtual Reality for Low Vision Users: A Macular Degeneration Case Study
| Autor: | Vaughan Powell, Marc Cook, Wendy Powell |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Visual perception
genetic structures Social Psychology Computer science Color vision Vision Low 050801 communication & media studies 050109 social psychology Virtual reality Luminance Macular Degeneration 0508 media and communications Human–computer interaction Humans 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences Applied Psychology Bespoke Aged 80 and over Focus (computing) Augmented Reality Communication 05 social sciences Virtual Reality General Medicine Computer Science Applications Human-Computer Interaction Female Augmented reality Commercial off-the-shelf |
| Zdroj: | Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. 23:185-191 |
| ISSN: | 2152-2723 2152-2715 |
| DOI: | 10.1089/cyber.2019.0409 |
| Popis: | Virtual reality (VR) is demonstrating increasing potential for therapeutic benefit in elderly care, but it is still generally considered to be the domain of the visually unimpaired. Even where VR and augmented reality (AR) are being explored for use with low vision, it is generally with a focus on creating bespoke software and hardware. However, the properties of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) headsets, such as high luminance, may render them accessible even to very low vision users. Using a case-study approach, we explored the differences in visual perception from baseline to pass-through AR and commercial VR applications for an elderly female (Mrs. M) with advanced age-related macular degeneration. We found notable improvements in object, face, and color recognition, particularly with higher display brightness. Furthermore, Mrs. M was able to engage fully and enthusiastically with a number of (unmodified) VR applications, providing detailed descriptions of both static and moving elements. We suggest that the high luminance available in COTS VR may support more stable fixation closer to the fovea, improving visual resolution. Furthermore, the improvements we noted in color perception support previous suggestions that increasing luminance may improve photosensitivity by reducing the uptake of limited oxygen by the rod cells. We conclude that low vision should not automatically preclude users from engaging in VR research or entertainment, and that they may be able to use well-illuminated VR applications without any special modifications. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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