Glasses Mounted Display Baseline Test: Comparing the GMD to Traditional Displays

Abstract

The purpose of this test was to compare the performance of the Glasses-Mounted Display (GMD) with a standard desktop monitor. Although standard computers and their displays, such as a notebook computer with a liquid-crystal display (LCD), are appropriate for many applications outside the office, certain factors, such as increased mobility or hands-free requirements, can impede the usability of standard computers. The GMD provides a potential solution to the display requirements associated with these unique situations. The current study used three independent variables to test this: 1) Display (GMD vs. Laptop computer LCD), 2) Data Source (an internal location on the display vs. from a separate, external CRT), and 3) Trial (six total trials). Results were mixed; although the interaction of Display x Data Source indicated the GMD may be useful in applications that involve visual attention switching. Subjective feedback indicated a greater familiarity and comfort level with a laptop computer and its LCD display. However, subjects also recognized the GMD's potential use for tasks involving confined areas, hands-busy operation, and tasks requiring continual switching of attention between the GMD and task environment.

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