Impact of Symbology Luminance and Task Complexity on Visual Fatigue in AR Environments

Abstract

A number of sectors such as healthcare, aviation, military, and gaming are making use of the augmented reality (AR) technology for task assistance. The complexity of these tasks depends on various features of the AR application. The varying levels of task complexity require different degrees of visual attention from the task performer thereby affecting the extent of visual fatigue induced. The human visual system is also affected by the luminance of the symbology presented on the AR display. The luminance of the symbology, if not in accordance with the ambient lighting, can lead to high levels of visual fatigue. This study was aimed at studying the impact of symbology luminance and task complexity on visual fatigue and human performance while working in AR environments. A head up display based game, with varying symbology luminance and different complexity levels, was used for this study. The correlation between the independent variables—symbology luminance, task complexity, and the dependent variables—visual fatigue, human performance was studied. Recommendations for the design of AR based tasks have also been proposed.