Tarsier Goggles: a virtual reality tool for experiencing the optics of a dark-adapted primate visual system

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Samuel R. Gochman¹  Nathaniel J. Dominy¹  Shirley Zhang²  Erica Lobel²  Hyun J. Seong²  Stephanie X. Guo²  Eun K. Yoon²  Shiyao Peng²  Tim Tregubov²  Lauren K. Gray²  Stephen K. Liao²  Alma Wang²  Benjamin K. Cooper²  Naman Goyal²  Kristie Chow²  Kylie A. Hill²  Marilyn Morano Lord³ 

[1] Departments of Anthropology and Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College;Digital Arts, Leadership, & Innovation Lab, The William H. Neukom Institute for Computational Science, Department of Computer Sciences, Dartmouth College;Kimball Union Academy;

关键词: Constructivist learning theory;    Tarsius bancanus;    Tarsier;    Virtual reality;    Optics;    Natural selection;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12052-019-0101-6

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Charles Darwin viewed eyes as the epitome of evolution by natural selection, describing them as organs of extreme perfection and complication. The visual system is therefore fertile ground for teaching fundamental concepts in optics and biology, subjects with scant representation during the rise and spread of immersive technologies in K-12 education. The visual system is an ideal topic for three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs), and here we describe a 3D VRLE that simulates the vision of a tarsier, a nocturnal primate that lives in southeast Asia. Tarsiers are an enduring source of fascination for having enormous eyes, both in absolute size and in proportion to the size of the animal. Our motivation for developing a tarsier-inspired VRLE, or Tarsier Goggles, is to demonstrate the optical and selective advantages of hyperenlarged eyes for nocturnal visual predation. In addition to greater visual sensitivity, users also experience reductions in visual acuity and color vision. On a philosophical level, we can never know the visual world of another organism, but advances in 3D VRLEs allow us to try in the service of experiential learning and educational outreach.

【 授权许可】

Unknown