How real should virtual characters be?

  • Authors:
  • Daniel Wagner;Mark Billinghurst;Dieter Schmalstieg

  • Affiliations:
  • Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria;University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ;Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2006 ACM SIGCHI international conference on Advances in computer entertainment technology
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

In recent years 3D virtual characters have become more common in desktop interfaces, particularly in gaming and entertainment applications. In this paper we describe how augmented reality (AR) technology can be used to bring virtual characters into the real world and compare AR characters to other types of virtual characters. We have developed a handheld AR educational application in which a virtual character teaches users about art history. We present results from a user study that explores how realistic the character needs to be for it to be an effective and engaging educational tool and if augmented reality offers benefits for this type of application.