SAFE-VR
System for Ameliorating Phobias based on Exposure to Virtual Reality
About the project
The purpose of the SAFE-VR (System for Ameliorating Phobias based on Exposure to Virtual Reality) project is to design and implement a feasible system for treating phobias based on gradual exposure in the Virtual Reality (VR), accompanied by physiological signals monitoring (pulse, electrodermal activity and electroencephalogram (EEG) data), real-time visual feedback and automatic adaptation of the virtual environment (visual stimuli rendered via a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device and 3D audio stimuli) based on the biophysical data recorded from the user.
SAFE-VR represents a substantial evolution compared to the actual systems for treating phobias and an economical approach with high perspectives, as it can be used both in the presence of a therapist under clinical surveillance and independently, for home training, on the computer and on Android devices. The application works as a virtual therapist. The user interacts with the virtual environment via gesture recognition and a special motion tracking module detects deviant body postures that can endanger the patient. As music and auditory cues play an important role in setting an immersive and realistic environment, the scenes in VR will be accompanied by relaxing music that changes according to the level of exposure, while 3D audio and carefully selected auditory icons will provide the feeling of realism.
There will be designed scenes for the following phobias: acrophobia, agoraphobia, claustrophobia and fear of public speaking.
