Perceptual preference for 3D interactions and realistic physical camera motions on light field displays

The scientific literature on light field visualization has recently started addressing the 3D interaction techniques for light field displays, as well as the simulations for realistic physical camera motions. Both of them are highly relevant to civilian and military use cases. In case of the latter, 3D interactions are used for various purposes, including the control of surface and air vehicles, strategic and tactical planning, and real-time support of operations. The topic of realistic physical camera motion is particularly important for field surveillance and the situation awareness of dismounted operators, as well as for the civilian use case of cinematography. Yet thus far, such techniques have not been perceptually evaluated by non-expert observers. While the theoretical feasibility has already been investigated and expert reviews have initiated the first steps, data on actual perceptual preference is still lacking. The term "expert" refers to scientists, researchers and manufacturing professionals. However, at the end of the day, the efficiency of use cases is fundamentally determined by the observers'/operators' perceptual convenience of 3D visualization and the effectiveness of interactions. In this paper, we present our results on the empirical studies carried out on perceptual preference regarding the potential interaction techniques and the different types of realistic physical camera motions. The contents of the subjective tests were displayed on a large-scale light field cinema system. Multiple subjective quality metrics were used to decompose the visual experience of the observers, and additional attention was paid to the essential aspects of long-term usage, such as dizziness.