Immersive scuba diving simulator using virtual reality

Abstract

We present Amphibian, a simulator to experience scuba diving virtually in a terrestrial setting. Amphibian is novel because it simulates a wider variety of sensations experienced underwater compared with to existing diving simulators that mostly focus on visual and aural displays. Users rest their torso on a motion platform to feel buoyancy. Their outstretched arms and legs are placed in a suspended harness to simulate drag as they swim. An Oculus Rift head-mounted display (HMD) and a pair of headphones delineate the visual and auditory ocean scene. Additional senses simulated in Amphibian are breathing-induced motion, temperature changes, and tactile feedback through various sensors. Twelve experienced divers compared Amphibian to real-life scuba diving. We analyzed the system factors that influenced the users' sense of being there while using our simulator. We present future user interface improvements for enhancing immersion in Virtual reality diving simulators.