Linear Acceleration Perception on a Moving VR Environment

Abstract

Understanding how people perceive linear acceleration is crucial for creating more realistic and immersive virtual environments. This thesis investigates how people perceive linear acceleration on a moving platform while in virtual reality (VR). The objective is the identify the Just Noticeable Difference (JND), which represents the smallest detectable change in stimuli that users can perceive. The study integrates a physically moving platform with a VR environment, employing a staircase method to determine upper and lower perception bounds. By focusing on human sensitivity to acceleration, the research aims to bridge the gap between physical and virtual motion experiences, a key motivator for enhancing VR realism. The results demonstrate that at low accelerations, there is an distinguishable upper and lower bound of acceleration perception. These findings, validated through statistical methods including t-tests, offer insights into how people perceive changes in acceleration. However, unexpected trends, such as increased variability at lower accelerations, suggest further investigation is needed to confirm the applicability of Weber’s Law in this context. The research also highlights practical applications, such as space conservation in VR motion systems, by leveraging the lower acceleration JND to shorten track distances without compromising perceived realism. Limitations, including sample size and equipment constraints, are acknowledged, and future work is proposed to explore higher speeds, angular acceleration, and alternative experimental conditions. By advancing our understanding of linear acceleration perception, this study provides a foundation for improving VR systems used in training, entertainment, and rehabilitation, ensuring they balance realism, comfort, and practicality.