They appear to be hell-bent on making virtual reality a horrendous experience
Virtual reality has the exciting potential, in a perfect world, to make unique and entertaining encounters widely available to the general public. However, since humans do not even live in a perfect environment, researchers are now using virtual reality devices to replicate the terrifying feeling of choking in a blaze. It is not the first instance where scientists have looked into methods to improve virtual reality gear in order to make simulated encounters terrifying.
A group from Carnegie Mellon University’s Future Interfaces Group demonstrated a consumer VR headset upgraded with ultrasonic transducers that might try to replicate the physical sensation inside and outside the user’s mouth recently. One implementation of the study showcased a humongous simulated spider soaked with poison. This creature could even be seen splattering around the lips of users.
Currently, it is a bunch of academics from Austria’s Salzburg University of Applied Sciences who claim to have noble aspirations. However, they might not have achieved their objective yet, based on a paper compiled for the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. The researchers designed the AirRes Mask, a device that can be worn along with commercial virtual reality devices such as Meta Quest 2. It can become one more avenue to become a part of the virtual experience based on the breathing of a user.
The AirRes Mask has two modes of operation. The first option, which is less likely to cause trauma to consumers, utilises the mask to track their respiration and weaves it into a VR experience to boost immersion. Simple common activities like putting out a simulated flame, blowing a balloon, or perhaps even strumming a harp with one’s breath are typical applications.
The mask may also be used to adjust the virtual reality experience depending on the wearer’s breathing rate. As an instance, when launching a simulated arrow from a bow, hitting the target is much simpler if the user halts their breathing and keeps their balance.
The alternative method makes use of the mask’s capacity to make breathing more difficult for the user. Although suffocation may not appear to be a particularly enjoyable method of transcending one’s own reality, the scientists claim that the AirRes Mask may be employed as a more genuine medium of instruction. Firefighters might directly feel a room’s lack of oxygen as a massive fire burns it, featuring virtual symptoms such as tunnel vision, except without the extra hazards of a serious fire. The mask might also improve the realism of flight simulators, as the increased g-forces of fast manoeuvres make it even more difficult for a person to breathe.
The virtual reality experience does not seem to be as enjoyable as wielding a simulated lightsaber to the beat of one’s favourite music. However, as terrifying as it appears, the technology does help to demonstrate the uniqueness of virtual reality. Moreover, it also shows the capacity to induce feelings of discomfort without people actually being subjected to real danger.
