SightLab VR is a powerful plugin for Vizard, designed to create, manage, and analyze VR experiments with ease. Its hybrid approach combines a graphical user interface (GUI) with Python scripting to offer both simplicity for beginners and advanced tools for seasoned developers.
From tracking user interactions to integrating physiological data systems like BIOPAC, SightLab VR supports various research needs, ensuring accurate and meaningful results.
Key Features of SightLab VR
Experiment Setup with GUI and Code
Design experiments with the user-friendly GUI or Python scripts.
Choose 3D models, 360 media, and define conditions for each trial.
Data Collection and Analysis
Collect gaze data, dwell time, object interactions, fixations, saccades and more.
Save data for session replay and advanced analysis.
Session Replay
Revisit participant sessions with replay tools for detailed insights.
Advanced Customization Options
Add custom events, regions of interest, instructions, rating scales and interactive triggers.
Easily integrate with external devices like eye trackers and EEG systems and use integrated algorithms for advanced analysis such as fixations, saccades, and much more
Large Collection of Advanced Features and Templates
Add AI powered agents in your scene with role playing, vision, and speech using LLMs from Chat GPT, Claude, and Gemini
Leverage increased features using augmented reality, face tracking, hand tracking, eye tracking paradigms
Choose from a large collection of tasks such as spatial memory, visual search, distance perception, phobia exposure, driving scenarios and more.
Easily drag and drop models, 360 media, as well as standard video and view in immersive displays from headsets to Projection VR, stereo screens and more.
Synchronize with physiological data from connections with tools such as BIOPAC AcqKnowledge and see how a user’s physiological measures react to elements in the scene both through biofeedback and synchronized playback.
Multi User Capabilities
Easily add multi user capabilities to your session. Supports both remote and local connections.
Advanced Eye Tracking Algorithms
If using an eye-tracked headset, SightLab supports fixation detection, saccade analysis, pupil diameter tracking, and gaze-based interactions. Includes heatmaps, scan paths, fixation spheres, and real-time gaze event triggers for interactive experiments and detailed session replay.
How to Use SightLab VR: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting Up Your Project
Create a project folder using the included templates or the blank project option.
Launch the GUI by running the SightLab_VR script if using the GUI, or edit the script if building only with code.
Adding 3D Models or 360 Media
Import assets like environments or videos into your project folder.
Use the Inspector scene editor tool to edit scenes and configure starting points.
Configuring Trials
Set trial count, start/end conditions, and data collection preferences.
Use GUI tools or scripts for advanced customization.
Running Experiments
Start experiments in desktop or VR mode.
Use features like gaze-based triggers or keypress events to control trials.
Analyzing Results
Review session data in CSV format or with the interactive session replay tool.
Generate heatmaps and scan paths for deeper insights.
Further Customization
For those seeking more control and flexibility, SightLab VR offers powerful scripting options. Open your experiment script in the Vizard Python Editor to:
Leverage built-in SightLab experiment modules for advanced functionalities.
Utilize the expanded Vizard library to integrate new features like proximity sensors or animations.
Add features from the over 80 templates and examples including AI agents, rating scales, biofeedback, passthrough, face tracking, cognitive tasks and much more.
Add external Python libraries for tasks such as machine learning, statistical analysis, or custom visualizations.
Who Benefits from SightLab VR?
Researchers
Ideal for cognitive science, education, and human-computer interaction studies.
Easily collect and analyze participant data.
Educators and Trainers
Create immersive training environments with customizable scenarios.
Use 360 media to simulate real-world experiences.
Leverage AI agents with vision to help guide user performance, give feedback or play the role of various agents in a session (paired with LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini).
Advantages of SightLab VR
User-Friendly: No programming skills required for basic experiments.
Scalable: Supports single-user and multi-user setups.
Comprehensive: Includes tools for data collection, replay, and customization.
Flexible: Combine GUI and code for advanced functionality.
Conclusion
SightLab VR empowers researchers and educators to harness the potential of virtual reality. With its blend of simplicity and advanced tools, it’s perfect for creating experiments that are immersive, interactive, and insightful.
