Frequency, Not Amplitude, of Latency Affects Subjective Sickness in a Head-Mounted Display

BACKGROUND: Interactions between frequency and amplitude of latency in head-mounted displays (HMDs) are thought to affect simulator sickness. Many studies have linked system latency to subjective sickness, but recent research has found that at least with the case of inertia-based head tracking technology, latency is not a constant; rather it varies systematically over time due to sensor errors and clock asynchronization. The purpose of this experiment was to further explore the relationship between frequency and amplitude of latency as they relate to subjective sickness experienced in an HMD.

METHODS: In a 2 (frequency) × 2 (amplitude) design, 120 subjects were randomly assigned to 4 latency conditions. Frequency of latency was either 0.2 Hz or 1.0 Hz. Amplitude of latency was either 100 ms fixed or 20-100 ms varying.

RESULTS: A main effect of frequency of latency was found. Subjects reported greater sickness in the 0.2-Hz frequency conditions (39.0 ± 27.8) compared to the 1-Hz conditions (30.3 ± 17.0). Additionally, 18 subjects withdrew their participation early in the 0.2-Hz conditions compared to 7 in the 1.0-Hz conditions.

DISCUSSION: In conclusion, frequency of latency appears to play a role in the experience of sickness in HMDs in both subjective reporting of symptoms and subject performance. The current study confirms results of earlier studies, finding that real motion around a frequency of 0.2 Hz is more sickening than other frequencies. Future work should continue to parse the effects of frequency and amplitude of latency in head-tracked HMDs.

Kinsella A, Mattfeld R, Muth E, Hoover A. Frequency, not amplitude, of latency affects subjective sickness in a head-mounted display. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(7):604–609.