Virtual reality test stand with the use of Oculus Rift devices, VR Samsung Gear and HTC VIVE goggles

Virtual Reality is a term that describes a three-dimensional environment generated by a computer. Thanks to its use, a user can interact and manipulate selected objects in an artificially created virtual world. In VR, stimuli can be presented using special goggles that are put on the subject’s head. The glasses consist of headphones and two displays that enable 3D spatial vision and sound reception.

The stand is equipped with the most popular devices on the market: Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE Pro. Despite their very small size, they allow you to completely immerse yourself in the virtual world. The devices consist of goggles, a camera for tracking the user’s position and headphones.

Navigation in a virtual environment is possible thanks to a “tracking system” consisting of an antenna and sensors mounted on the body, for example on the upper and lower limbs. This enables the mapping of the subject’s movements and its interaction with virtual objects.

For the purposes of testing and training drivers, a stationary research position was created to simulate driving in safe and controlled conditions. Stationary research position consists of:

HTC VIVE Pro Goggles Kit,
Oculus Rift Kit,
Samsung Gear VR Goggles,
Samsung Galaxy S8+,
Playseat Forza Motorsport pro,
Playseat seatslider,
Playseat pro gearshift holder,
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR computer,
Sony TV: 40 inches, resolution 1960 × 1080, 60 Hz,
Steering wheel with pedals and gears – Logitech G27 Racing Wheel.

HTC VIVE Pro Goggles Kit

The latest HTC VIVE Pro model has a resolution of 2880 x 1600 with dual AMOLED screen, while the VIVE has a resolution of 2160 x 1200. Which gives a pixel increase of 78%, as well as 37% of the number of pixels per inch of screen length. In newer goggles, the SDE (screen door effect) has been eliminated, i.e. the visibility of individual pixels has been reduced. The goggles use a new, improved version of Fresnel lenses. The disadvantage of the lenses used in the HTC goggles are the so-called “godrays”, i.e. rays of light that superimpose on the image when displaying high-contrast elements, for example bright letters on a black background. However, the image in the new goggles is clearer than in the standard HTC VIVE googles. The refresh rate and the field of view are the same in both models, i.e. 90 Hz and 110° respectively. The significant difference is that the newer version is equipped with integrated headset and a adjustable headstrap with soft padded foam. A special adapter will allow to lose the cable and enjoy true freedom with the wireless solution – VIVE Wireless Adapter. Full potential of HTC VIVE Pro experience is powered by Intel WiGig technology.

Oculus Rift Kit

The Oculus Rift device is considered to be one of the most advanced virtual reality systems. Works with a PC. The kit consists of goggles, a camera for tracking the user’s location, touch controllers and sensors. It takes into account sound effects, which are also very important for obtaining the immersion effect, i.e. they generate 360° surround sound. In addition, it generates an image with an angular size of 110° while tracking the movements of the user’s head for a full angle. The device uses two OLED panels with a resolution of 1080 x 1200 per one eye, which gives an effective, total display resolution of 2160 x 1200 for both eyes. The refresh rate is 90 Hz. The image is sent to each of the eyes separately. The kit includes wireless Oculus Touch controllers that allow you to track hand movements.

Samsung Gear VR Goggles

Mobile virtual reality headsets can also be based on smartphones, generally using a wireless connection in this case. An example is the Samsung Gear VR Goggles, which are based on the same platform as the Oculus. The resolution and pixel density depends on the parameters of the phone that will be used to work with the goggles. For example, using the Samsung Galaxy S8 model, the pixel density is very high, which is 568 ppi. The main element of the Gear VR are 42 mm lenses with a field of view of 101°. The field of view is narrower than in VR devices connected to a computer. These goggles also provide a lower refresh rate.