Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Promote Awareness in Augmented Reality Systems (2405.05916v1)

Abstract: Recent developments in AI have permeated through an array of different immersive environments, including virtual, augmented, and mixed realities. AI brings a wealth of potential that centers on its ability to critically analyze environments, identify relevant artifacts to a goal or action, and then autonomously execute decision-making strategies to optimize the reward-to-risk ratio. However, the inherent benefits of AI are not without disadvantages as the autonomy and communication methodology can interfere with the human's awareness of their environment. More specifically in the case of autonomy, the relevant human-computer interaction literature cites that high autonomy results in an "out-of-the-loop" experience for the human such that they are not aware of critical artifacts or situational changes that require their attention. At the same time, low autonomy of an AI system can limit the human's own autonomy with repeated requests to approve its decisions. In these circumstances, humans enter into supervisor roles, which tend to increase their workload and, therefore, decrease their awareness in a multitude of ways. In this position statement, we call for the development of human-centered AI in immersive environments to sustain and promote awareness. It is our position then that we believe with the inherent risk presented in both AI and AR/VR systems, we need to examine the interaction between them when we integrate the two to create a new system for any unforeseen risks, and that it is crucial to do so because of its practical application in many high-risk environments.

Analyzing AI-AR Integration: Enhancements and Challenges in User Awareness

The paper "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Promote Awareness in Augmented Reality Systems" provides a rigorous examination of the interplay between AI and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. This discussion is situated within the broader context of immersive environments that also incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) systems. The paper highlights the dual potential of these technologies to augment user capabilities and pose new challenges concerning user awareness and safety.

Core Concerns in AI and AR Interactions

The researchers from Clemson University underscore a core challenge in AI-AR system integration: the autonomy-conflict problem. AI systems, by virtue of their decision-making capabilities, can either diminish user awareness through excessive autonomy or increase cognitive load when human oversight is required. The "out-of-the-loop" problem is particularly pronounced in scenarios involving high AI autonomy, where users may become disengaged from critical environmental cues or situational changes.

Conversely, low autonomy levels necessitate frequent user intervention, essentially relegating users to supervisory roles with heightened workloads. This supervisory dynamic can detract from situational awareness, which is indispensable in high-risk environments where AR systems are increasingly deployed, such as industrial settings or construction sites. Hence, the authors advocate for a human-centered AI approach that balances autonomy and control to optimize user experience and safety.

Research Focus and Design Considerations

The paper positions the ongoing research as an inquiry into critical design factors—explainability and autonomy—when fusing AI and AR technologies. Explainability pertains to the level of information provided by the AI component within an AR interface, whereas autonomy involves user control over AI processes. Both factors profoundly influence user awareness. The researchers suggest that interface design significantly impacts awareness, as interfaces that induce information overload can undercut user engagement and awareness, leading to potential physical harm in operational settings.

Implications and Future Directions

The authors assert the necessity of evaluating AI-AR integrations for unforeseen risks due to their growing application in environments with low tolerance for error. This investigation aligns with concerns around emerging technologies such as LLMs and Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), which are recognized for their vulnerability to misuse and the proliferations of misinformation, despite their innovative capabilities.

Looking forward, the integration of AI and AR demands comprehensive risk assessments and the development of systems that inherently promote user awareness and safety. Future research should continue to explore the nuanced interactions between AI and AR components, particularly focusing on improving explainability and appropriately calibrating AI autonomy in immersive environments.

The paper provides a substantive contribution to the ongoing discourse in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) by framing AI-AR systems as both a potential repository of unexplored risk and a framework through which operational safety and efficiency can be enhanced. Continued collaboration across interdisciplinary and industrial domains will be crucial in realizing safer, more effective immersive virtual spaces.