Investigating Appropriate Spatial Relationship between User and AR Character Agent for Communication Using AR WoZ System

We aim to construct a system that can communicate with humans in everyday life environments, such as in their homes and on the street. To achieve this, we propose using a human agent communication system that utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology, in which the AR character agent has no physical body, thus facilitating its safe performance in real environments. As a first step towards implementing the motion control component of the AR agent, we focus on investigating the appropriate spatial relationships between the user and the AR agent in experimental settings. Consequently, in this paper, we report on the construction of an AR agent Wizard of Oz (WoZ) system, in which the agent is operated by a hidden operator via remote control, to acquire human agent interaction data through experimental trials. The interaction data are collected from a simple experimental setting in which a user sits at a desk and communicates with the AR agent standing on the desk. We also investigate the spatial relationship appropriate for communication between the user and the AR agent, and propose a position control strategy for the AR agent.