Evaluating presence in VR with self-representing auditory-vibrotactile input

In this paper, we present the results of an experiment testing various pairings of auditory feedback devices on immersion and emotion in Virtual Reality (VR). We investigate the effects of bone conduction headphones, a chest-mounted vibration speaker, headphones, and combinations thereof, in combination with internal (self-representing) sounds and vibrations in two simulated scenarios. Results suggest that certain auditory-vibrotactile inputs can influence immersion in an intense virtual scene and evoke emotions in a relaxing virtual scene. In addition, self-representing sounds were observed to significantly weaken immersion in the relaxing scene.