Achieving Presence through Evoked Reality

The sense of presence, originally studied in virtual reality as telepresence, is a puzzling cognitive phenomenon that now spans multiple disciplines. This paper argues that presence arises from an experience of an Evoked Reality (ER), an illusion of reality that triggers an Evoked Presence (EP) in the mind. A Three Pole Reality Model is proposed, with poles ranging from Dream Reality to Simulated Reality and Primary (Physical) Reality at the center. A Reality-Presence Map illustrates the relationship between ER and EP. The concept may have applications in studying presence and exploring the nature of reality itself.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The sense of "Presence" (evolving from "telepresence") has always been associated with virtual reality research and is still an exceptionally mystifying constituent. Now the study of presence clearly spans over various disciplines associated with cognition. This paper attempts to put forth a concept that argues that it's an experience of an "Evoked Reality (ER)" (illusion of reality) that triggers an "Evoked Presence (EP)" (sense of presence) in our minds. A Three Pole Reality Model is proposed to explain this phenomenon. The poles range from Dream Reality to Simulated Reality with Primary (Physical) Reality at the center. To demonstrate the relationship between ER and EP, a Reality-Presence Map is developed. We believe that this concept of ER and the proposed model may have significant applications in the study of presence, and in exploring the possibilities of not just virtual reality but also what we call "reality."