An analysis of the effect of technological fidelity on perceptual fidelity

Accurate simulation of physics is often not required in order to induce the feeling of ‘reality’ after being exposed to a synthetic simulation comprising of computer graphics imagery and appropriate simulator apparatus. Much less detail is often adequate. This paper is going to review human-centred fidelity metrics for immersive simulations and explore human factors issues concerned with perceptual fidelity. Two case studies are going to be summarized. The first is concerned with the effect of memory schemas on object recognition in immersive virtual environments. The second explores 3D spatial input via a physical mock up of a museum artefact in comparison to lower fidelity interaction devices.