Abstract
Gaze is one of the predominant communication cues and can provide valuable implicit information such as intention or focus when performing collaborative tasks. However, little research has been done on how virtual gaze cues combining spatial and temporal characteristics impact real-life physical tasks during face to face collaboration. In this study, we explore the effect of showing joint gaze interaction in an Augmented Reality (AR) interface by evaluating three bi-directional collaborative (BDC) gaze visualisations with three levels of gaze behaviours. Using three independent tasks, we found that all bi-directional collaborative BDC visualisations are rated significantly better at representing joint attention and user intention compared to a non-collaborative (NC) condition, and hence are considered more engaging. The Laser Eye condition, spatially embodied with gaze direction, is perceived significantly more effective as it encourages mutual gaze awareness with a relatively low mental effort in a less constrained workspace. In addition, by offering additional virtual representation that compensates for verbal descriptions and hand pointing, BDC gaze visualisations can encourage more conscious use of gaze cues coupled with deictic references during co-located symmetric collaboration. We provide a summary of the lessons learned, limitations of the study, and directions for future research.
Highlights
This paper presents research on how visualisation of gaze cues in an Augmented Reality interface can impact face to face collaboration
5.1.1 Collaborative Experiences The results (Figure 6) drawn from the Friedman tests followed by pairwise Wilcoxon Signed Rank (WSR) tests indicated that compared to the baseline NC (Q1: M 2.79 SD 1.86, Q2: M 2.62 SD 1.86), regardless of forms participants felt that with bi-directional collaborative (BDC) visualisations (Q1: M 4.12, 4.71, 4.46, Q2: M 4.08, 4.62, 4.50 for Cursor Donut (CD), Laser Eye (LE), Trail Path (TP)) their task intentions were significantly more accurately represented both to their partner [Q1: χ2(3) 21.81, p < 0.0001] and from their partner [Q2: χ2(3) 27.90, p < 0.0001] during communication
Participants believed that all three BDC visualisations (Q5: M 4.42, 5.00, 4.46, Q6: M 4.17, 4.79, 4.38 for CD, LE, TP) made it significantly easier to observe their partner’s attention cue [Q5: χ2(3) 37.37, p < 0.0001] as well as letting their partner observe the participant’s attention cue [Q6: χ2(3) 36.00, p < 0.0001] more compared to the baseline NC (Q5: M 2.33, Q6: M 2.42)
Summary
This paper presents research on how visualisation of gaze cues in an Augmented Reality interface can impact face to face collaboration. We naturally gaze at objects to express our interests (Zhang et al, 2014) as our eyes move fast with less physical effort and can be used over a distance than other modalities which are often not as readily available. In both co-located and remote collaboration, we share gaze cues to improve the awareness of collaborator’s focus (Lee et al, 2017) (Kuhn et al, 2009), minimise duplicate work (Zhang et al, 2017), predict another person’s intention (Baron-Cohen et al, 1997), and share joint gaze to achieve common ground (Whittaker and O’Conaill, 1997). In a face-to-face operating room surgeons can use gaze as a referential pointer when their hands are occupied, or during online education training, gaze can be used to detect student behaviour patterns when other cues are not remotely accessible.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
