Perceived Spatial Layout of a Simulated Scene as a Function of Experience

Abstract

A critical question in simulation is the degree of correspondence or alignment between what is seen in a generated graphics world and it's intended actual physical structure. An allied concern, is the role of perceptual experience as a potential influence on this perceived spatial layout. The present experiment examined the potential for these perceived distortions. Eight observers estimated the location of nine object locations embedded in a graphical scene of a traffic intersection. Participants were asked to judge the relative and absolute distances between objects in the display. Half the subjects viewed the intersection after driving for thirty minutes through the simulated traffic world while the remaining participants did not receive any prior experience. A multidimensional scaling analysis revealed differences between simulator and no simulator experience groups for absolute and relative 3-D solutions. Scaled representations of actual and perceived spaces are discussed in the framework of a model of perceived spatial layout and with respect to human factors issues in the use of both simulated and virtual worlds.

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