Keywords
Virtual Reality (VR), Brain Computer Interface (BCI), 3D User Interface (3DUI), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Virtual Environment (VE), Motor Imagery
Abstract
NeuroGaze is a novel Virtual Reality (VR) interface that integrates electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye tracking technologies to enhance user interaction within virtual environments (VEs). Diverging from traditional VR input devices, NeuroGaze allows users to select objects in a VE through gaze direction and cognitive intent captured via EEG signals. The research assesses the performance of the NeuroGaze system against conventional input devices such as VR controllers and eye gaze combined with hand gestures. The experiment, conducted with 20 participants, evaluates task completion time, accuracy, cognitive load through the NASA-TLX surveys, and user preference through a post-evaluation survey. Results indicate that while NeuroGaze presents a learning curve, evidenced by longer average task durations, it potentially offers a more accurate selection method with lower cognitive load, as suggested by its lower error rate and significant differences in the physical demand and temporal NASA-TLX subscale scores. This study highlights the viability of incorporating biometric inputs for more accessible and less demanding VR interactions. Future work aims to explore a multimodal EEG-Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) input device, further develop machine learning models for EEG signal classification, and extend system capabilities to dynamic object selection, highlighting the progressive direction for the use of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) in virtual environments.
Completion Date
2024
Semester
Spring
Committee Chair
LaViola, Joseph
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Degree Program
Mixed Reality Engineering
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
DP0028353
URL
https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028353
Language
English
Rights
In copyright
Release Date
May 2024
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Barbel, Wanyea, "NeuroGaze in Virtual Reality: Assessing an EEG and Eye Tracking Interface against Traditional Virtual Reality Input Devices" (2024). Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024. 184.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2023/184
Accessibility Status
Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs