Virtual Dome System Using HMDs: An Alternative to the Expensive and Less Accessible Physical Domes

Abstract

It is known that the dome display, as one of the Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs), has its prominent advantages that viewers can experience highly immersive sensation thanks to the frameless image with a wide Field of View (FOV). However, fulldome projection systems have limited accessibility because of the technical complexity and high construction cost. Recently, the development and popularization of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) have changed the ways of inquiry and production in many media industries. In this research, the authors developed a virtual dome system using HMDs and assessed it quantitatively from the perspective of user immersion. An experiment was conducted to compare the difference of users’ immersion between a physical dome and a virtual one using modified Immersive Tendency Questionnaire (ITQ) and the Virtual Reality Immersion (VRI) Questionnaire. 44 participants took part in this research. In conclusion, as far as user immersion is concerned, the virtual dome system is capable of bringing a similar, if not better, experience when compared with the physical one. Although the defects intrinsic to a virtual dome system, such as the limited resolution, uncomfortableness to wear and the lack of shared experience should not be overlooked, this paper proved that the virtual dome system can be a relatively low-cost and more accessible alternative for one to experience a fulldome movie, and thus worth further study and application.