Introduction to Virtual Reality Research
A University of Texas at Arlington computer scientist, Ming Li, is working on a project to grasp the standard of users’ experiences in virtual reality (VR) through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to quantify physiological reactions to immersive videos. This project goals to enhance the general user experience in VR environments.
The Research Grant
Li, an associate professor of computer science and engineering, has earned a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for her research. She is working with Yingying Zhu, an assistant professor within the department, and Wei Li at Georgia State University (GSU), who will receive $250,000 from the grant. The funding will support their investigation into find out how to protect user data privacy without compromising quantification accuracy.
Assessing User Experience
The research team hopes to construct a novel system to evaluate users’ quality of experience when engaging with 360-degree VR immersive videos. They will use eye gaze trackers, sensors, and internal cameras on VR devices to capture behavioral and physiological data. This data will include metrics akin to eye movement, blink rate, pupil size, head movement, and facial expressions. By analyzing this data, the team can create a model to evaluate users’ engagement with the content they’re viewing.
Applications of the Research
For instance, in keeping with Li’s preliminary studies, users who’re more engaged in a VR scene are likely to look in a single direction or deal with one object. The team will take the sensor and process data and construct an AI model that may provide quantitative evaluation of the experience. This information might be provided in real-time to service providers like Meta and YouTube, allowing them to boost the end-user experience. If service providers can assess the standard of experience in real-time, they will adjust how much network resource they assign to a selected user and make the standard higher per a person user’s need.
Data Security
The GSU group will determine find out how to keep any shared data secure without sacrificing modeling accuracy. This is an important aspect of the research, as user data privacy is a major concern in today’s digital landscape.
Broader Implications
Li said her work is a component of a "greater vision" that would impact online gaming, video conferencing, and other networking services. The classic network techniques are designed without considering of the top user’s perspective or input, but what if user-centered networking is feasible? With this sort of measurement, content providers can gain insight into real-time user experiences and adjust their service-provisioning strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research project led by Ming Li has the potential to revolutionize the best way we experience virtual reality. By using AI to quantify physiological reactions to immersive videos, the team can create a more engaging and personalized experience for users. The project’s deal with data security and user-centered networking makes it a major step forward in the event of VR technology. As Li said, "With this sort of measurement, we may give content providers insight into real-time user experiences. They can adjust their service-provisioning strategies accordingly and the user will play a greater role in future decisions."
