Rotating Chair

The experiments in Section 4 and the pilot studies in Appendix B involved oscillating participants in yaw (i.e., around the vertical axis) while providing an HMD scene which oscillated with the same period but conflicting phase. This research made use of a chair mounted on a Contraves Goerz Co. Direct Drive Rate Table Series 800 controlled by a Neurokinetics, Inc. Motion Simulator Controller (see Figure 3.3). Participants were seated with their spine aligned with the gravitational vertical. The chair moved in yaw (i.e., around the vertical axis).

The chair is fitted with a 5-point harness. Since the experiments described in this dissertation were conducted at low amplitudes, only the lap belt was used.

  

Figure 3.3: Rotating Chair

Rotating chair used in the visual-inertial nulling experiments. It allows for oscillations in the horizontal plane under program control. This equipment was graciously loaned to Dr. Parker by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Human Interface Technology Lab