Detecting Stress in VR $360^{\circ }$ Immersive Experiences for Older Adults Through Eye Tracking and Psychophysiological Signals.

This paper presents the architecture and a preliminary prototype of a system for detecting stress during immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations. The VR4AGE system is designed for professionals that wish to use virtual reality headsets to allow older adults with dementia to experience 360 videos with an increased safety. The system aims at using eye tracking and unobtrusive psychophysiological signal monitoring to detect cognitive activation and distress. Informing as soon as possible the healthcare professionals about the patient’s status would allow them to continue or stop the therapy, depending on the patient’s reactions. This could help assessing whether nursing home residents with dementia that are unable to speak and express their emotions react positively or negatively to the VR simulation.