Blink rate vs Inner self perceived cognitive state while using virtual reality applications with haptic devices.

Abstract

On average, humans blink between eight and 21 times per minute while resting. Eye actions are influenced by external and internal stimuli. This can be utilized to measure internal cognition specifically focus and attention while performing tasks. In this experiment, an individual's self-perceived focus, attention and interaction level is collected and then correlated with eye blinks rate. The subjects are observed while performing experiments using haptic devices in a virtual environment. The experiment was modulated based on network quality and hardware quality to further quantify the effect of each scenario on subjects' intrinsic and extrinsic focus indicators. The experiment quantified the blinks and formulated a correlation between subjects' own perception of the event using statistical analysis. It can be found that there is an acceptable correlation between certain indicators, network quality, fatigue, stress, focus and enjoyability of the experiments. A good quality hardware and network did enhance the experience in all the subjects indicating a need for enhanced services for haptic and immersed mixed reality activities directly affecting the cognition especially in education tools. It can be inferred that eye blink rate can be used as an additional tool for measuring the cognition of individuals experience using haptic and virtual reality tools.