Augmented 3D arrows reach their limits in automotive environments: Why are AR schemes confusing?

Abstract

3D arrows are a widely accepted Augmented Reality (AR) presentation scheme for various applications, ranging from picking tasks over indicators of directional warnings, to navigational aids. Applying AR schemes to the automobile sector, where arrows are already in use for navigational tasks requires developers of AR-based systems to think beyond arrow-based visualisation. Further presentation schemes require either easy differentiation between the semantic contexts of virtual arrows or should preferably use other shapes to transfer their message. Our group has investigated AR-based advanced driver assistance systems for several years now. We began our research by investigating certain issues of the automotive domain; we have built and evaluated separate solutions, sometimes using arrow schemes. To cope with the increasing amount of in-car systems and their user interfaces we now attempt to incorporate all approaches into a single integrated human-centred system. Here we illustrate our separate applications, collaborative design and evaluation platforms, then come to the issue of an integrated solution. From our work we summarise experiences which can facilitate design processes for AR applications in general. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.