Laboratory

The Human Perception and Performance Laboratory

at Saint Peter's College

Optokinetic Drum

We started our research program in 2000 using an optokinetic drum. This is a relatively simple piece of equipment that consists of a drum that rotates around a stationary observer. The observer watches the drum's interior as it rotates around them. However, very quickly, usually within 20 seconds, a strange experience results. Observers usually perceive self-rotation in the opposite direction even though they are in fact stationary relative to Earth. This phenomenon known as vection is so compelling that some observers have actually believed that the chair they were sitting on was rotating.

click here to view video clip

3-DOF Motion Platform

The 3-dof motion platform has a 3/4 ton payload and can be used to move a platform or enclosure (shown with airplane cockpit) on one linear axis (heave) and two rotational axes (pitch and roll). Combining these three types of motion can emulate many types of vehicle motion. The platform can be interfaced with software, controls, and displays leading to an immersive vehcile simulator. In the link below the platform is outfitted with an aircraft cockpit allowing it to operate as a flight simulator.

Link to InMotion Simulation

Link here to view a short video clip

Virtual Reality

The lab’s virtual reality system uses a NVIS nVisor SX Head-Mounted Display (HMD). Head and body tracking is accomplished using Intersense interia cubes and optical tracking. Software was developed by Vizard and uses Python as a programming language. Currently, we use the system to study self-motion perception and visually-induced motion sickness. Displays can be programmed to move around the observer inducing vection.

Rear Projection System

The rear-projection system allows for wide-angle displays that can induce both vection and visually-induced motion sickness. It consists of a large screen and an NEC LCD projector. Clicking on the picture will link to a short clip of a an expanding optical flow pattern that can lead to forward self-motion perception (vection).

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