The effect of display and image type on inter-object distance estimation in virtual and real environments

Abstract

This paper reports on a study to examine the effect of display type (desktop display verses projected display) on inter-object distance estimation in real and virtual environment (VE). Non-stereo images of real and virtual environments were used as stimulus. Participants were asked to estimate two distances: transverse distance (objects lying in the sagittal plane -- in depth) and lateral distance (objects on the same horizontal line). Our result shows that distances were generally underestimated. For transverse distance, no significant difference was found for real and virtual images on both type of display. On average, lateral distance estimations yielded more accurate results for virtual image. Participants' performances were better on projected display compared to desktop display on both lateral and transverse distance. A significant effect of display on distance was revealed for lateral distance.