Visualizing financial stock data within an augmented reality trading environment

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel augmented reality (AR) system for visualization of financial stock data. The system enhances the equity traders’ working environment with virtual charts and live business TV streams, overlaid onto the real trading workspace. The presented research investigates how human cognitive capabilities can be extended by the use of artificial computer-generated 3D representation of financial data and interaction with such data representation using hand gestures. We combined the nVisor ST50 headset with InteriaCube4 and Leap Motion devices to enable tracking of head orientation and controlling the AR environment with hands. With the use of hand gestures, a user is able to create virtual charts displaying real-time stock data and financial TV streams within his/her surroundings. To evaluate the system, we conducted experimental tests with 22 users. Our objective was to evaluate tasks completion times and users’ experience while creating and parametrizing virtual stock charts through the AR interface. The obtained results are promising and demonstrate that most users were able to finish tasks in acceptable time without significant difficulties.