Psychophysiological Biofeedback in Virtual Reality Environments

Abstract

This thesis discusses and presents usages of biofeedback to affect virtual reality environments in real time in order to increase the immersiveness factor of VR experiences. Main focus of the study is on noticeability of users to detect what kind of biodata is being gathered, and how is it used in virtual environments. In order to conduct the research, the author used eye tracking and heart rate monitoring in order to affect virtual environment. The work begins with a brief look at methods that are used to increase the immersiveness factor of VR environments, as well as speculate in which areas biofeedback solutions could be used. Then, the author discusses concepts like biofeedback or virtual reality, in both theoretical and practical terms, in order to outline the means that are used to achieve the end result. After that, the study procedure is brought up, as well as the implementation of the work. Lastly, the author presents and discusses the results of the study, and talks about how the work can be expanded upon with future research. In order to research the given problem, the author used Unity game engine, HTC Vive VR googles, and heart rate sensor handled by Arduino Uno microcontroller. Eye tracking used in the project was emulated thanks to C# script. With that, the author expanded an 3D environment with biofeedback capabilities, and changed it in a way so that the bio data of the user would affect it in real-time.