Human Factor Guideline for Applying AR-based Manuals in Industry

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR)-based manuals, which replace the paper-based manuals used in the past, is a promising application of AR in industrial settings such as manufacturing, maintenance and so on. In our previous research, we conducted experiments to compare the case where workers referred to a traditional paper-based manual with that where they referred to an AR-based manual in the tasks of assembling, wiring and inspection (Nakanishi & Okada, 2006; Nakanishi et al., 2007). We confirmed that, in the latter case, they completed each type of task in around 15% less time and made fewer errors than in the former case. Further, we found that psychological stress in referring to the manual was mitigated in the latter case. This is possibly because the AR-based manual enabled workers to view task-related information superimposed on real objects and made it easy to cognitively link the objects and information. For these reasons, AR-based manuals are expected to serve as effective tools for increasing efficiency, preventing human errors and promoting comfort in industrial settings. However, before practical use of such manuals, it is necessary to clarify human factor requirements concerning workers, the environment and the information presented. Thus, we have been examining basic human factor requirements through a series of experiments, particularly under the assumption that workers see an AR-based manual using monocular see-through head-mounted displays (HMDs). In this chapter, we review how the performance of workers using AR-based manuals is changed by differences in the workers themselves, the work environment and the information presented by HMDs, based on behavioural, physiological and psychological data. Furthermore, we summarise a human factor guideline for applying AR-based manuals. The guideline can give suggestions for smooth and effective introduction of AR technology to industries.