How Egocentric Distance Estimation Changes in Virtual Environments by Using a Desktop Display or the Gear VR

Due to the importance of depth perception in virtual spaces, the combined effects of display devices and human factors on egocentric distance estimation were investigated. We developed a virtual environment that can assess distance estimation skills of users at 10 various distances, starting from 25 cm and ending at 160 cm. Our results show that people are either accurate or overestimate distances on a desktop display, while underestimation occurs with the Gear VR in most cases. Combined with display devices, human factors also had effects on distance estimates. With the Gear VR, 35.73%-57.14% faster estimation times were obtained, and these can also be influenced by human factors and distances.