Training in a Virtual Stereoscopic Environment

Abstract

This study investigated transfer-of-training for a pick-and-place task in monoscopic, stereoscopic, and real-world environments. Ten training trials were given to 30 subjects in the three environments (10 subjects each). The averages of task completion time in the stereoscopic and real-world environments were less than those in the monoscopic environment. In a post-training real-world trial, there were no differences due to the training environment (including another group of 10 subjects who received no training). Subjects, who had training in the stereoscopic or real-world environments, were more accurate in the placement of cans at near targets than those who received monoscopic or no training. Thus training in a virtual stereoscopic environment was beneficial in terms of task accuracy. The effectiveness of virtual environments may continue to improve as advances in computer hardware enable higher resolution presentations and reduce system lags.