MiRA-Mixed Reality Agents

  • Authors:

  • Thomas Holz;Abraham G. Campbell;Gregory M. P. O'Hare;John W. Stafford;Alan Martin;Mauro Dragone

  • Affiliations:

  • CLARITY: Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;CLARITY: Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;CLARITY: Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;CLARITY: Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, School of Computer Science and Informatics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

In recent years, an increasing number of Mixed Reality (MR) applications have been developed using agent technology - both for the underlying software and as an interface metaphor. However, no unifying field or theory currently exists that can act as a common frame of reference for these varied works. As a result, much duplication of research is evidenced in the literature. This paper seeks to fill this important gap by outlining ''for the first time'' a formal field of research that has hitherto gone unacknowledged, namely the field of Mixed Reality Agents (MiRAs), which are defined as agents embodied in a Mixed Reality environment. Based on this definition, a taxonomy is offered that classifies MiRAs along three axes: agency, based on the weak and strong notions outlined by Wooldridge and Jennings (1995); corporeal presence, which describes the degree of virtual or physical representation (body) of a MiRA; and interactive capacity, which characterises its ability to sense and act on the virtual and physical environment. Furthermore, this paper offers the first comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art of MiRA research and places each project within the proposed taxonomy. Finally, common trends and future directions for MiRA research are discussed. By defining Mixed Reality Agents as a formal field, establishing a common taxonomy, and retrospectively placing existing MiRA projects within it, future researchers can effectively position their research within this landscape, thereby avoiding duplication and fostering reuse and interoperability.