Quantitative evaluation of stereoscopic augmented reality visualization using an optical see-through head-mounted display

Purpose The objectives of the current study were to propose a calibration method for accurate augmented reality visualisation using an optical see-through head-mounted display, and to qualitatively evaluate visualisation accuracy for the application in computer assisted surgery. Methods An adaptation of stereo single-point active alignment method was proposed as the calibration procedure together with verification Three tests were performed: display of points in 3D space, on the plane, and on the surface of a skull phantom on inexperience users ( 5 participants) and experienced users ( 17 participants). Results The highest accuracy of visualization was obtained for skull phantom visualisation for an inexperienced user (3.00 mm, std 0.75 mm), while the lowest accuracy was obtained in a 3D visualisation test for an inexperienced user (22.95 mm, std 18.04 mm). The largest error was related to the depth component and amounted to 18.49 mm, std 18.10 mm for an inexperienced user. Conclusions It is possible to achieve relatively high visualisation accuracy (less than 5 mm for visualisation in space) for selected users but providing it for the group of inexperienced users seems to remain a major challenge. The accuracy of point indication can be substantially and statistically significantly increased by visualising objects on surfaces. The proposed methods and obtained results can serve as a basis for further implementation of augmented reality visualisation on an optical see-through head-mounted display in applications requiring high-quality augmented reality guidance of manual tasks.