How to Use Multi-pole Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation for Virtual Reality Application

Abstract

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) is a technique that induces virtual acceleration (or virtual head motion) by applying electrical current to electrodes placed on the bilateral mastoids. Since the vestibular sensation also closely reality of experience, it is a promising technique for virtual reality (VR) systems for presenting a highly realistic experience. However, the usual GVS can induce only lateral directional acceleration sensation. Thus, we invented four-pole GVS is able to induce multi directional virtual acceleration (i.e., lateral, anteroposterior, and yaw rotation). This method could realize the novel head set which can adding virtual motion sensation and virtual impacts sensation. In this paper, we explain two examples of new applications named "GVS RIDE" and "Beaten by Virtual Character" which gives a highly realistic experience using four-pole GVS and a Head Mounted Display (HMD) in synchronization.