Perception and Action in Peripersonal Space: A Comparison Between Video and Optical See-Through Augmented Reality Devices

In this paper, we analyze how we perceive the peripersonal space when involved in a reaching task in an Augmented Reality (AR) environment. In particular, we aim to quantify whether distortions in perception of the spatial layout of the scene occur, by taking into consideration two different AR wearable devices, in particular head-mounted displays (HMD). We performed two tests, and compared the results between the subjects who used an Optical See-Through (OST) HMD (Metavision Meta 2) and those who used a Video See-Through (VST) HMD (a smartphone in conjunction with a headset like the Google Cardboard). The data has been collected from a total of 45 volunteer participants. In the experiment, the subjects had to perform a precision reaching task by overlapping the hand on the perceived target position. Then, we observed how the presence or absence of an internal feedback influenced the homing performance. Our results revealed a better depth estimation, thus a more precise interaction, when using the OST device, which also revealed a lower impact on eye strain and fatigue.