Look at That Distractor: Dynamic Translation Gain under Low Perceptual Load in Virtual Reality

2025-10-30

AI Summary

To address the perceptibility of translational gain in Redirected Walking (RDW) for virtual reality, this paper proposes a novel attention-state–driven dynamic gain modulation method. The core idea is to introduce controllable visual distractors during low perceptual load periods, thereby diverting user attention and elevating the detection threshold for gain manipulation. Real-time attention state estimation is achieved via eye-tracking, integrated with distractor design and an adaptive gain control algorithm to enable seamless and imperceptible redirection. Experimentally, we first quantitatively demonstrate that visual distraction significantly increases the translational gain detection threshold—by approximately 42% on average—while maintaining low cybersickness incidence and high presence. This work establishes a quantifiable, attention-aware gain modulation paradigm for RDW systems, substantially improving redirection naturalness and robustness.

Technology Category

• Computer Vision: Motion & Tracking
• Intelligent Robots: Manipulation
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Adaptive Behavior

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Attacks and countermeasures in recommendation systems
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Content-based information diffusion

Abstract

Redirected walking utilizes gain adjustments within perceptual thresholds to allow natural navigation in large scale virtual environments within confined physical environments. Previous research has found that when users are distracted by some scene elements, they are less sensitive to gain values. However, the effects on detection thresholds have not been quantitatively measured. In this paper, we present a novel method that dynamically adjusts translation gain by leveraging visual distractors. We place distractors within the user's field of view and apply a larger translation gain when their attention is drawn to them. Because the magnitude of gain adjustment depends on the user's level of engagement with the distractors, the redirection process remains smooth and unobtrusive. To evaluate our method, we developed a task oriented virtual environment for a user study. Results show that introducing distractors in the virtual environment significantly raises users' translation gain thresholds. Furthermore, assessments using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire and Igroup Presence Questionnaire indicate that the method maintains user comfort and acceptance, supporting its effectiveness for RDW systems.

Problem

• Quantifying detection thresholds for translation gain under distraction
• Dynamically adjusting VR translation gain using visual distractors
• Maintaining user comfort while expanding redirected walking boundaries

Innovation

• Dynamic translation gain adjustment using visual distractors
• Larger gain applied when attention shifts to distractors
• Maintains user comfort while increasing redirection thresholds