Method and apparatus for evoking perceptions of affordances in virtual environments

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for evoking perceptions of affordances in a user/virtual environment interface. The method involves recognizing the absence or inadequacy of certain sensory stimuli in the user/virtual environment interface, and then creating sensory stimuli in the virtual environment to substitute for the recognized absent or inadequate sensory stimuli. The substitute sensory stimuli are typically communicated to the user (e.g., visually and/or audibly) as properties and behavior of objects in the virtual environment. Appropriately designed substitute sensory stimuli can evoke perceptions of affordances for the recognized absent or inadequate sensory stimuli in the user/virtual environment interface.

主权项

1. An apparatus for evoking perceptions of affordances in a virtual environment, comprising:
a processor configured with virtual reality software for generating the virtual environment; the virtual environment comprising a display arrangement in communication with the processor, the display arrangement configured to interface with a user; and an interactive control device in communication with the virtual environment, the interactive control device configured to enable the user to interact with the virtual environment, wherein the processor is further configured to determine an affordance for an object in the virtual environment, wherein the affordance is defined as an inherent use that the object furnishes to the user of the virtual environment; wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether sufficient virtual stimuli are generated for the object in order for the user to recognize the affordance and use the object in the virtual environment; wherein the processor is further configured, responsive to the virtual stimuli being insufficient for the user to recognize the affordance, to generate substitute sensory stimuli for recognized absent or inadequate sensory stimuli in the virtual environment to a degree such that the user is capable of recognizing the affordance and is enabled to use the object in the virtual environment.