Work package 2 consists of three software development projects and the combination of these projects make up the VR8-solution
Development of video content for virtual reality exposure therapy The focus of this sub-project is the development of different 360 degrees virtual environments (VR exposure videos) for virtual reality exposure therapy. These environments are used as part of the exposure therapy where patients will be exposed to situations that can be anxiety-provoking for them. An example of an anxiety-provoking situation could be a presentation of oneself in front of colleagues. In VR8, this presentation will take place in the virtual environment. In the virtual environments, the surroundings can be controlled as the therapist can make different choices for the level of exposure during the exposure video. The therapist can e.g. choose between the colleagues being kind and interested in the presentation or they may seem uninterested and interrupting. To learn how the VR videos are being recorded you can follow this link.
Anxiety model development and testing As part of the VR8 solution, an anxiety model will be developed through machine learning. This means that over time the system automatically learns about the patient’s anxiety level from data collected through biometric measures (sweat, pulse and breathing). Knowledge about the anxiety level will be used to regulate how challenging the exposure should be for the individual patient so the therapist can adjust the exposure accordingly. The equipment being used for the biometric measures are from iMotions and BIOPAC.
Software integration The abovementioned sub-projects will be combined through the iMotions platform, where the anxiety model will be integrated with the VR exposure videos. The integration using the iMotions platform enables a visual presentation and analysis of the patient’s biometric measurements. Additionally, the aim of the integration is also to ensure a workflow that supports the contact between the therapist and patient during the exposure.