Impact of graphical fidelity on physiological responses in virtual environments

Abstract

Higher quality computer graphics in interactive applications in the areas of virtual reality and games is generally assumed to create a more immersive experience for the end user. In this study we examined this assumption by testing to what degree graphical fidelity was associated with physiological arousal as measured by a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor. Thirty-six subjects played two different video games at the highest and lowest graphical quality settings while their GSR activity was measured. No significant difference in GSR was observed that was associated with graphical quality. We conclude that, for applications in which an emotional response is desired, increased graphical quality alone does not predict a physiological arousal response.

User Engagement with Driving Simulators: An Analysis of Physiological Signals

“…More specifically, physiological signals of skin conductance and heart rate have been suggested to assess emotional states as objectives measures for people's responses in virtual environments [15]. Using a GSR sensor to measure physiological arousal, it was found that graphical fidelity is not correlated with GSR response [27]. To consider the effect of changes in scene brightness on the pupillary response for 2D screens and VR HMDs (head-mounted displays), an individual calibration procedure and constriction-based models of pupil diameter have been proposed [16].…”

“…We suggest future research on additional features (e.g. fixations and saccades) and user-perceived sensory fidelity in different simulation environments for enhancing the user experience of presence [27,29] to make different driving situations more distinctive.…”

“…Such data can be used to develop effective computational models and improve future systems. Some studies have used the physiological signals in VR environments [16,27], but the relationship between the features of user interfaces in VR environments and the physiological responses remains unclear.…”

“…Specifically, researchers have attempted to develop a driving simulator with an intelligent tutoring system, enhanced by a motion platform to improve presence [33]. However, in the context of flight simulation, the operator's perceived fidelity is not necessarily induced by the exact simulation of physical environments [32], and graphical fidelity alone is not correlated with galvanic skin responses (GSR) in the context of gaming [27]. One of the key issues regarding realism in intelligent VR system design is to determine whether people have different responses to the VR environments given user perceptions and physiological signals.…”