VR Diving Training System Using Real-Time Feedback of Infinite Sea-Diving Illusion and Psychological State

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K19796
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 61:Human informatics and related fields
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: hashimoto yuki 筑波大学, システム情報系, 助教 (10601883)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 橋本 朋子 (米村朋子) 明海大学, 総合教育センター, 講師 (90456707)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-06-29 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 潜水 / スクーバ / バーチャルリアリティ / 訓練

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We implemented and improved a head-mounted display for diving, introduced and optimized an underwater motion capture system, and investigated a body pull-back mechanism in water. As a result, high-precision tracking and high-quality visual feedback in a 4m x 4m range were achieved in shallow water less than 2m deep. User tests indicated that the implemented system had no problems with wearability and could provide a highly realistic underwater experience.
In addition, by combining visual stimuli with a pull-back mechanism, we were able to design a method that allows infinite sea travel within the above range. In the area of biometric sensing, we developed a prototype of a waterproof sensor for heartbeat and gaze, and verified its operation in water.

Free Research Field

バーチャルリアリティ，インタラクティブ技術

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果から，潜水状態のユーザの位置姿勢が高精度・低遅延でフィードバックされる高品位な水中バーチャルリアリティ体験を世界で初めて実現した．これにより，実地訓練に頼らざるを得ない潜水作業者，ダイバー，救助隊等に対して効率的な訓練を提供し，安全性と技術力向上に大きく寄与する．
また，無重力・低重力下における人の知覚特性が容易に検証可能となることから，知覚心理学分野の発展に大きく寄与する．