Are age differences missing in relative and absolute distance perception of stereoscopically presented virtual objects?

Abstract

Nowadays there is a wide variety of Virtual Reality (VR) applications for users of all age groups. An essential part of most VR systems is stereoscopy. From perceptual research, it is known that stereoscopic perception deteriorates with age [Garnham and Sloper 2006]. As indicator for stereoscopic perception, the authors of this and further studies used stereo acuity, i.e. the smallest disparity difference detected by the visual system. Norman et al. [2000] showed that the declined stereo acuity in older humans can cause these users to perceive less depth in random-dot stereograms. Since VR applications for rehabilitation are advancing, one can expect increasing numbers of elderly users. However, up to now it is unclear whether the age-specific changes in stereoscopic perception might impair the use of VR applications for older people. In our study, we presented stereoscopically rendered virtual objects. The primary aim of this study was to examine possible age differences in fusion range, relative and absolute distance perception, and visual fatigue. Here, we present results of the two tasks concerning distance perception.