Optical see-through HUDs effect on depth judgments of real world objects

Recent research indicates that users consistently underestimate depth judgments to Augmented Reality (AR) graphics when viewed through optical see-through displays. However, to our knowledge, little work has examined how AR graphics may affect depth judgments of real world objects that have been overlaid or annotated with AR graphics. This study explores whether AR graphics have directional effects on users´ depth perception of real-world objects. Participants were shown an initial target location and were then asked to indicate when a moving target was perceived to be at the previously specified target location. Each participant experienced three different display conditions: no AR visual display (control), a conformal AR graphic overlaid on the pedestrian via head-up display (HUD), and the same graphic presented on a tablet physically located on the pedestrian. The judged distance from the correct location was recorded, and after each trial, participants´ confidence in determining the correct distance was captured. Across all conditions, participants underestimated the distance of the physical object. Greater variability was observed in the accuracy of distance judgments under the AR HUD condition relative to the other two display conditions. In addition, participant confidence levels were significantly lower in the AR HUD condition.