Assessing continuity and compatibility in augmented reality systems

Abstract

Integrating computer-based information into the real world of the user is becoming a crucial challenge for the designers of interactive systems. The Augmented Reality (AR) paradigm illustrates this trend. Information is provided by an AR system to facilitate or to enrich the natural way in which the user interacts with the real environment. We focus on the output of such systems and, in particular, on the smooth integration of additional information in the real environment of the user. We characterize the integration of the computer-provided entities with the real ones using two new properties: compatibility and continuity. After defining the two properties, we provide factors and an analytical method needed for assessing them. We also empirically study the two properties to highlight their impact on interaction. The CASPER system, developed in our teams, is used to illustrate the discussion.