Visual task performance using a monocular see-through head-mounted display (HMD) while walking.

Abstract

A monocular see-through head-mounted display (HMD) allows the user to view displayed information while simultaneously interacting with the surrounding environment. This configuration lets people use HMDs while they are moving, such as while walking. However, sharing attention between the display and environment can compromise a person's performance in any ongoing task, and controlling one's gait may add further challenges. In this study, the authors investigated how the requirements of HMD-administered visual tasks altered users' performance while they were walking. Twenty-four university students completed 3 cognitive tasks (high- and low-working memory load, visual vigilance) on an HMD while seated and while simultaneously performing a paced walking task in a controlled environment. The results show that paced walking worsened performance (d', reaction time) in all HMD-administered tasks, but visual vigilance deteriorated more than memory performance. The HMD-administered tasks also worsened walking performance (speed, path overruns) in a manner that varied according to the overall demands of the task. These results suggest that people's ability to process information displayed on an HMD may worsen while they are in motion. Furthermore, the use of an HMD can critically alter a person's natural performance, such as their ability to guide and control their gait. In particular, visual tasks that involve constant monitoring of the HMD should be avoided. These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of the type and difficulty of information that can be presented through HMDs while still letting the user achieve an acceptable overall level of performance in various contexts of use.

NotifEye

“…Careful UI design is needed when presenting information on interactive glasses so that it interferes as little as possible with the primary task (e.g., walking) [34]. In particular, the use of transitions, animations, fonts, shapes and colors that are specifically designed and targeted for a wearable display avoids creating unnecessary distractions [29].…”

Detection of visual stimuli on monocular peripheral head-worn displays

“…The HWD drivers, however, had significantly greater speed deviations, suggesting that the both devices can negatively affect driving performance, albeit in different ways. Furthermore, Mustonen, Berg, Kaistinen, Kawai, and Hakkinen (2013) found that participants' walking performance suffered when they attempted to simultaneously detect changes on a HWD; the dual-task requirements of walking and attempting to view the HWD resulted in more walking errors as well as more missed target changes. Additionally, Woodham et al (2016) found that participants climbed rocks more slowly, less efficiently, and covered less distance when they were simultaneously attempting to view and recall words on an HWD, compared to climbing with the HWD shut off.…”

Google Glass Glare: disability glare produced by a head‐mounted visual display

“…However, the wearing of such a device may also lead to visual problems. Field defects caused by wearing HMD devices have been described, and their use has been shown to critically alter a person's natural visual gait control . Distraction and attentional issues have also been highlighted, with the use of Glass for messaging resulting in impaired driving performance .…”

“…Field defects caused by wearing HMD devices have been described, 5,6 and their use has been shown to critically alter a person's natural visual gait control. 7 Distraction and attentional issues have also been highlighted, with the use of Glass for messaging resulting in impaired driving performance. 8,9 In this study we examine another potential way in which normal visual function might be compromised during wearthat the display might act as a glare source, resulting in disability glare (DG) due to intraocular scatter.…”