Overview

This project investigates an adaptive Virtual Reality (VR) system that integrates eye-tracking data from the HTC Vive Focus 3 (Eye Tracker add-on) with physiological signals from a smart watch (ex. Samsung Galaxy Watch8) to support stress reduction and emotional self-regulation.

Users begin in a busy, noisy city VR environment and, to decrease stress and to stabilize focus, the world gradually transitions into restorative nature scenes, such as a calming forest or ocean with background sounds. Eye metrics (gaze fixation, pupil dilation, blinks) and biosignals (HR, HRV, SpO₂) are fused to estimate arousal. The smoother and calmer the signals, the faster and more positive the transition, creating an engaging form of biofeedback.

 

Tasks

– Course Project

  • Integrate eye tracking (gaze, pupil size) from Vive Focus 3 via OpenXR.
  • Stream biosignals (HR/HRV/SpO₂/EDA) from Galaxy Watch8.
  • Simple fusion model with weighted rules
  • Implement threshold-based transitions from city → (park/door) → nature.
  • Small pilot test with 2–3 users.

–  Bachelor Thesis (Taken)

  • Basic System development +  Develop a fusion model combining eye tracking information (e.g. gaze, pupil size, blinking etc) and biosignals into an arousal index.
  • Build a multi-stage environment: city → (park) → nature.
  • Apply positive nudging: calming signals speed up transition.
  • Run a pilot study (5–10 users) with questionnaires + HRV/pupil metrics.

– Master Thesis

  • Basic System Development + Create a robust multimodal framework with personalized baselines.
  • Implement two conditions: forest vs. ocean transitions.
  • Run a controlled study (larger participants), comparing biofeedback vs. no-biofeedback.

 

Required Skills

  • Unity development with OpenXR.
  • Eye-tracking data handling (gaze, pupil, blink).
  • BLE integration for smart watch.
  • Signal fusion & real-time processing.
  • Interest in VR design, affective computing, environmental psychology.

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