Investigation of the physiological differences in the immersive virtual reality environment and real indoor environment: Focused on skin temperature and thermal sensation

Dongwoo Yeom, Joon Ho Choi, Sin Hwa Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate and determine whether the effect of an IVE condition on an occupant's environmental sensations and physiological responses is different from the effect of a real environmental condition in the indoor environment. The research included a series of human subject experiments, with 16 participants in an environmental chamber. A thermal quality condition was selected as a primary environmental parameter, based on current IEQ-relevant studies. While the ambient thermal condition was gradually changed from 20 °C to 30 °C, the participants were asked to report their overall thermal sensations. Their skin temperatures were also continuously measured to collect physiological signal information in real time. The results of this experimental study revealed that the participants mostly generated higher skin temperature at the selected seven skin areas. Their reported thermal sensations were significantly higher in the IVE condition, than in the real environment, showing a difference of 12%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-54
Number of pages11
JournalBuilding and Environment
Volume154
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Immersive virtual environment
  • Indoor environmental quality
  • Occupant behavior
  • Physiological response
  • Skin temperature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Building and Construction

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