Virtual reality sickness remedy

Virtual reality-induced nausea can be reduced by the addition of a simple graphical effect, Columbia University researchers have found

HOW TO RELIEVE VR NAUSEA

Regular VR view: Used when player is stationary

Narrowed VR view: Edges slowly narrow and blur as player moves through game world. Shifts back to regular VR view when player stops moving

Regular VR

Narrowed VR

Left eye

Right eye

Narrowed VR

VR discomfort

Regular VR

Narrowed VR

VR NAUSEA

Caused when brain receives visual information at odds with sensory information received from inner ear’s vestibular system

Ear canal

Vestibular system: Small canals which act like spirit levels, aiding balance

HOW VR WORKS

Headset: Shows stereoscopic view of 3D game world. Player’s head movements replicated by
in-game camera movements

Controller: Moves player through game world

Oct 13, 2016: Sony launches PlayStation VR for $399

Source: Columbia University

Pictures: Sony, SIEA/Impulse Gear