Role of stereopsis in locomotion and navigation: Interaction and interfaces

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The overall theme and long-term goal of this research program is to develop a model of stereoscopic surface perception and its role in visually guided action. Stereoscopic depth or stereopsis arises from processing of the differences or `disparities' between the images in the two eyes and is important for the perception of surface shape, environmental layout and material properties. Such information is, in turn, important for the planning and execution of visually-guided movements including locomotion. The focus of the current proposal is to provide a better understanding of the perceptual cues humans use to make judgements of their environment that support their locomotion. We then apply this knowledge to help evaluate and develop more effective 3D user interfaces.***Recent studies (from our lab and others) and anecdotal reports demonstrate that binocular vision and stereopsis can provide substantial perceptual benefits at distances relevant to the moment-to-moment control of locomotion. In the current proposal I address the role of stereopsis in guidance of locomotion in real and computer-mediated environments with these short-term objectives: ***1) Investigating the role of stereoscopic vision in perceptual decision making including in the perception of our self motion and of the layout of the world through which we move. ***2) Understanding how these perceptions affect the control and guidance of locomotion, path planning and navigating.***3) Assessing the implications in information display and for aiding virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) locomotion. We will develop design rules, guidelines and techniques for generation of stereoscopic imagery to support AR locomotion.***Given that the role of stereopsis in locomoting, orienting and navigating has not been well studied, in a series of foundational experiments we will extend our work on scene perception to the control of locomotor action. In particular we will examine the role that binocular vision plays in performing real world tasks such as ramp walking and walking on rough terrain. These experiments will be enabled by availability of state-of the art facilities such as our unique wide-field stereoscopic display.***This basic research will provide insight for developing effective 3D user interfaces, particularly in VR and AR. We will extend our work on the role of stereoscopic cues in the perception of self-motion and cognitive mapping in the real world and apply it to abstract and naturalistic 3D locomotion. Based on these experiments, we will recommend ways to augment real and virtual environments to support and extend these capabilities. The research will enable safer, more effective and more natural user interfaces for low vision aids, vehicular displays and other applications. Highly-qualified researchers will be trained on skills in human-computer interaction and visualization that are highly sought after by Canadian industry.