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Alternative Cardboard Setup and Calibration

Why calibration is important

For those using the VR Cardboard in this course, this section will guide you through the necessary setup and calibration process. Calibration is crucial for any VR headset to ensure an optimal user experience, especially with the Cardboard. Unlike higher-end head-mounted displays (HMDs) that often include a guided, mandatory calibration process, the responsibility to accurately set up the Cardboard lies entirely with the user. Proper calibration is not only essential for your comfort but also for ensuring that you get the most out of the course materials and homework.
For students using high-end HMDs, although you won't need the specific calibration tools provided for the Cardboard, it is still crucial that you perform the calibration procedures recommended by your HMD’s manufacturer. The information provided below will help you understand the objectives and benefits of this calibration process.

Download Calibration App

Begin by downloading the Sites in VR app onto your phone. This app will assist you in calibrating your VR Cardboard. You can download it here:

For High-End HMD Users:

You should try downloading and running the Sites in VR app. If the app does not function with your high-end HMD, you should still complete the exercises by downloading and installing the app on your smartphone. This approach will allow you to carry out the calibration exercises as if you were setting up a VR Cardboard. Please make sure to answer all of the questions as accurately as possible. For the best possible experience, we suggest purchasing a VR Cardboard to fully benefit from understanding the calibration process.

Readings

Begin by reviewing the instructions on the Sites in VR: Viewer Settings page:
This will help familiarize you with the essential parameters required for setting up any VR headset for comfortable viewing.

Running the Calibration App

Once you have launched the Sites in VR app, look for and click on the VR icon that appears like this:
On this page, you will find many pre-set calibration parameters for various VR viewers. However, it is essential to generate settings tailored to your specific viewer, as the pre-set options may not provide optimal results. To do this, navigate to the Viewer Settings icon and click on it:

Viewer Settings - Custom Setup

Once you are in the Viewer Settings, you will be presented with the following screen:
This menu allows you to personalize all necessary parameters of your VR viewer. Begin by setting up the Screen Size, and proceed to address each next parameter sequentially. Some values will require manual measurements (prepare a ruler), while others can be adjusted directly within the VR environment.
It is crucial to carefully read the instructions provided on the Sites in VR: Viewer Settings page. Understanding these parameters and their impact on your viewing experience and comfort will help you obtain the most optimal measurements.
Note: This is not an official homework assignment. However, it is a faster and more intuitive way to calibrate your VR viewer, so we are distributing it to help ensure your success with calibration!
The exercises below are for educational purposes only and will not contribute to your grade.

Question 1: Screen Size

Click on the Screen Size icon and align a real physical ruler with the ruler displayed on your screen. As you adjust the rulers to align, the value measured by the app will change. This measurement determines the mapping of screen pixels to physical world units, which is essential for setting up subsequent parameters accurately.
Note: Once you finalize this value, press the Save button to record the number in the app.
Enter the saved decimal number in the textbox below. To receive full credit for this question, ensure you enter the number exactly as it appears in the app, but without any special characters. For example, if the displayed value from the screenshot above is 5.66'', you would type 5.66—without any additional characters or spaces.

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Question 2: Lens Separation

When you click on the Lens Separation icon, a pair of concentric circles will appear. (Ensure you view these and all subsequent settings using your VR Cardboard.) Move your head up and down to determine the highest value at which the circles appear as a single, undoubled image, while ensuring it is comfortable.
Note: It is important that you double-check this number using the manual calculation specified in the instructions.
Please type the two-digit number you saved into the textbox below. For full points, ensure that no additional characters or spaces are included.

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Question 3: Vertical Center

When you enter the Vertical Center settings, adjust the value so that most of the concentric circles are displayed completely, without any part being cut off.
Please enter the saved two-digit number below (without any additional characters or spaces).

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Question 4: Screen to Lens Distance

Before adjusting the Screen to Lens Distance settings, you must perform manual measurements. Carefully read the instructions on how to measure this distance. ONce you have done that you need to adjust the value in your VR Cardboard.
Note: It is extremely important that you set this parameter accurately. Take your time to follow the instructions carefully. After setting this parameter, test your values in the Test Room. Incorrect settings can cause objects in virtual reality worlds to move at a pace that does not match your visual expectations, potentially causing significant strain and discomfort in your future VR experiences.
Now enter the saved two-digit number in the textbox below:

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Question 5: Inner Distortion

When you enter the Inner Distortion settings, move your head up and down until all of the lines appear straight, without any apparent curvature.
Please type the saved decimal number into the textbox below. Ensure it is entered exactly as saved, without any additional characters or spaces.

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Question 6: Outer Distortion

Similarly, when you enter the Outer Distortion settings, move your head up and down until all of the lines appear straight, without any apparent curvature.
Please type the saved decimal number into the textbox below. Ensure it is entered exactly as saved, without any additional characters or spaces.

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Question 7: Chromatic Aberration

When you enter the Chromatic Aberation settings, moving your head up and down alters the amount of color fringes along the edges of rectangles. Adjust the value to minimize these color fringes as much as possible.
Please type the saved decimal number into the textbox below.

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Question 8: Field of View

The final step is to set up the Field of View to maximize your peripheral vision while avoiding unnecessary rendering on the screen that is not visible through your VR Cardboard.
Once you have determined the best value, please enter it into the textbox below.

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Question 9: Generate Your QR Code

You are almost set! Now you can generate the QR code. First, exit the VR viewer settings by tapping on the screen until the goggle icon appears that you need to click on:
This action will return you to the Viewer Settings menu on your smartphone. From there, click on the Generate QR Code icon. Once your QR code is generated, take a screenshot, and save it for future use.
For this exercise, please upload the saved screenshot as a .jpeg file to Google Drive or a similar service. Then, copy and paste the link to the uploaded file into the textbox below for submission:

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Question 10: Your Experiences

How was your overall experience. Is calibration using SitesInVr more intuitive and helpful than the official Google Cardboard from HW1?

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Authors

Anna LaValle, Elmeri Uotila.
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