Effect of Overlapping With Real Objects on Depth Perception of Virtual Objects Presented With Optical See-Through HMD

Abstract

We examined the effect of overlapping with real objects on depth perception of virtual objects presented with optical see-through head-mounted displays (HMDs). In the experiment, virtual objects were presented with optical see-through HMDs, and there were two conditions of overlapping with real objects. Under the overlapping conditions, real objects were presented in front of the virtual objects. Under the non-overlapping conditions, the real objects were not presented. The depths of the virtual objects were measured by using the reference markers of real objects. The results obtained from the experiment revealed that individual differences were large in depth perception of virtual objects in mixed reality accomplished with optical see-through. These findings indicate the importance of developing the techniques adapted to such individual differences.