EEG based time and frequency dynamics analysis of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS)

3D movies are attracting the viewers as they
can see the objects flying out of the screen. However, many
viewers have reported various problems which are usually
faced after watching 3D movies. These problems include
visual fatigue, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, blurred
vision or collectively may be termed as visually induced
motion sickness (VIMS). This research focuses on the
comparison between 3D passive technology with a conventional
2D technology to find that whether 3D is causing
trouble in the viewers or not. For this purpose, an experiment
was designed in which participants were randomly
assigned to watch 2D or a 3D movie. The movie was
specially designed to induce VIMS. The movie was shown
for the duration of 10 min to every participant. The electroencephalogram
(EEG) data was recorded throughout the
session. At the end of the session, participants rated their
feelings using simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ). The
SSQ data was analyzed and the ratings of 2D and 3D
participants were compared statistically by using a two
tailed t test. From the SSQ results, it was found that participants
watching 3D movies reported significantly higher
symptoms of VIMS (p value\0.05). EEG data was analyzed
by using MATLAB and topographic plots are created from the data. A significant difference has been observed in
the frontal-theta power which increases with the passage of
time in 2D condition while decreases with time in 3D
condition. Also, a decrease in beta power has been found in
the temporal lobe of 3D group. Therefore, it is concluded
that there are negative effects of 3D movies causing significant
changes in the brain activity in terms of band
powers. This condition leads to produce symptoms of
VIMS in the viewers.