Internship | Investigating eye-hand coordination in virtual reality

About this position

Virtual reality is increasingly being used for gaming and training purposes. Existing virtual reality technology can include images of physical real-world objects, like one’s own hands, by presenting a combination of real-time video in combination with the virtual simulated world. Different virtual reality goggles use different focal (image projection) distances, fixed at for example 85 or cm, while the viewing distance to our hands typically varies. Presenting the visuals at a fixed focal distance creates a convergence-accommodation conflict, which may negatively impact visually guided hand interactions. Furthermore, a convergence-accommodation conflict may also contribute to eye strain and cybersickness. Next to focal projection distance presumably having an impact on eye-hand coordination, the camera on virtual reality goggles to capture the physical world influences users’ visual acuity. The newest generation of goggles uses eye tracking and LIDAR (i.e., depth estimation) to adjust for the distance to the physical object in the real world. This may improve visual acuity, but could on the other hand give rise to small visual delays.

What will be your role?

In this study, we are interested in exploring the effects of focal projection distance and (adaptive) camera distance of a virtual reality headset with video-see-through on eye-hand coordination. In the past, TNO has developed a tapping task using touch screen displays to assess eye-hand coordination. You will investigate how focal projection distance and camera distance influence speed and accuracy of hand movements on this tapping task when being required to shift visual attention between objects far away and in closer proximity.

What we expect from you

We are seeking for an enthusiastic student at master level who wants to join this project for a duration of 6 months (full-time). Previous experience or an interest in getting acquainted with virtual reality is desirable. Additionally, some familiarity with data processing software such as R, MATLAB, or Python is valued. The starting date of this position is October . A security screening is required. The research location is TNO Soesterberg (Kampweg 55, Soesterberg).

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts. A suitable internship allowance ( euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship). Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship). A free membership of , where you can meet other TNO professionals and join , such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip. Use of a laptop. An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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