A Conceptual Replication and Extension of Triangulation by Walking for Measuring Perceived Distance Through a Wall

Triangulation by walking is a method that has been used to measure perceived distance, where observers walk a triangular path. This method has been used at action space distances of approximately 1.5 to 30 meters. In this work, a conceptual replication of these triangulation by walking methods are discussed and evaluated for use in measuring the perceived distance of an object seen through a window set into a wall. The motivation for this work is to use triangulation by walking to study how perceived distance operates when augmented reality (AR) is used to visualize objects located behind opaque surfaces, in an AR application termed “x-ray vision.” This paper reports on experiences replicating an implementation of triangulation by walking as reported by Fukusima, Da Silva, and Loomis (1997). Their method was conceptually replicated in both outdoor and indoor settings, and the method was further extended to measure perceived distances of objects seen through a wall. These extensions are discussed in some detail, focusing on the modifications to the triangulation by walking method as well as the ramifications of these changes. Problems arising from using triangular geometry in calculations of perceived target locations are also introduced, and an alternate method is proposed that works to diminish the problematic effects.