Extended Reality: Technology Basics
ModulesExtended Reality: Technology Basics
To support research ethics reviewers in learning about extended reality (XR) technologies, for the review of projects and proposals that include the use of extended reality. The content focuses on key technology basics, in a succinct manner, and signposts further learning opportunities for those who require more in-depth knowledge.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe and distinguish between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
- Discuss the meaning of key concepts associated with XR (like metaverse, presence and interoperability).
- Explain the different types of hardware necessary for XR (like headsets and haptic devices etc.).
Mixed Reality
Applications of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Key Concepts in XR
The word ‘metaverse’ was first used by the American writer Neal Stephenson in a science fiction novel that was published in 1992 and entitled 'Snow Crash'. It is now used to describe a shared, persistent, real-time 3D, digital model environment where users can interact with computer-generated environments, socialise with others, and engage in various activities, similar to interactions in the physical world.
Metaverses are digital spaces and environments that users can explore, interact with, and even shape. These environments may include virtual worlds, simulations, and augmented reality experiences. Social interaction is a fundamental aspect, and the metaverse often includes features like avatars to represent users and communication tools. Users can contribute to the metaverse by creating and sharing content. This may include designing virtual spaces, creating digital objects, and developing interactive experiences. Metaverses can even have their own economy, where users buy, sell, and trade virtual assets, goods, and services. This may involve virtual currencies, digital assets, and a virtual marketplace.
Avatars
Reflection
Take a few minutes to think about the use of avatars and then check the feedback below. How do you think the user might be affected by their use? How do you think they might feel if their avatar is subjected to harm in the virtual world?
Feedback
The bond between users and their avatars can have two major effects - the Embodiment effect, and the Proteus effect.
Embodiment can be described through three aspects of the user's subjective experience. These are:
1. The feeling of self-location, that is the spatial experience of being in a body.
2. The feeling of agency, which refers to the feeling of being in control of one's actions.
3. The feeling of ownership of all, or part, of a body (body ownership) for instance, feeling that the imaginary body is the source of sensations.
The Proteus effect (named after a Greek god with the power of metamorphosis) refers to the influence of an avatar's appearance and behavior on a user's behavior, both in digital space and in real life.
An example of the Proteus effect is highlighted in a recent experiment, in which the user is placed in the imaginary skin of another human being, thereby triggering empathy and modifying their behavior. In this experiment, men convicted of acts of violence against women were put in the roles of women who had been assaulted, embodied in female avatars. At the end of the experiment, the participants showed an improved ability to detect fear in a human face.
Main Types of Hardware Used for VR
The hardware needed for VR and AR experiences, can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the level of immersion desired.
Main Types of Hardware Used for VR Cont.
End of Module Quiz
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Thank you!Bibliography
IEEE SA - The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Extended Reality: https://standards.ieee.org/industry-connections/ethics-extended-reality/
Techethos website (page on Digital extended reality): https://www.techethos.eu/digital-extended-reality/
Zhu, Ling. The Metaverse: Concepts and Issues for Congress. Congressional Research Service, 26 August https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47224.pdf
INRIA’s Website: https://www.inria.fr/en/how-does-virtual-reality-works
Basdevant, Adrien, Camille François, et Ronfard. Mission exploratoire sur les métavers. Rapport interministériel. France, Octobre 2022.
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/files/files/2022/Rapport-interministeriel- metavers.pdf
The Metaverse Standards Forum: https://metaverse-standards.org/
For a more thorough and philosophical account of the notion of immersive experience
Chasid, A. (2021). Imaginative immersion, regulation, and doxastic mediation. Synthese, 199(3), 7083-7106.
Langland-Hassan, P. (2020). Explaining imagination (p. 336). Oxford University Press.
Schellenberg, S. (2013). Belief and desire in imagination and immersion. The Journal of Philosophy, 110(9), 497-517.
For more information on avatars:
Ratan, R., Beyea, D., Li, B. J., & Graciano, L. (2020). Avatar characteristics induce users’ behavioral conformity with small-to-medium effect sizes: a meta-analysis of the proteus effect. Media Psychology, 23(5), 651-675.
Seinfeld, S., Arroyo-Palacios, J., Iruretagoyena, G., Hortensius, R., Zapata, L. E., Borland, D., ... & Sanchez-Vives, M. V. (2018). Offenders become the victim in virtual reality: impact of changing perspective in domestic violence. Scientific reports, 8(1), 2692.
Adomaitis, L., Grinbaum, A., Lenzi, D. (2022) Identification and Specification of Potential Ethical Issues and Impacts and Analysis of Ethical Issues. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7619852.
Aucouturier E, Grinbaum A (2023) Recommendations to address ethical challenges from research in new technologies. CEA - Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives. Available at: https://cea.hal.science/cea-04293426
Zhu, L (2022) The Metaverse: Concepts and Issues for Congress. Congressional Research Service. Available at: https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47224.pdf.
Videos
Kent Bye’s XR Ethics Manifesto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXgY3YXxqJ8
Masterclass on XR in the classroom (Central Queensland University, Australia): https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/masterclasses/extended- reality-xr-in-the-classroom
