Canonical views in procedural graphics

Abstract

Canonical (three-quarter) views for procedural graphics have been advocated based on artistic practice and psychological research. This paper examines two alternate points of view: body-centered rear views, and views that place important distances across the display plane. Test subjects matched upright with overhead images of human bodies for two types of activities. The subjects' performance was measured for accuracy, confidence in making matches, and reaction time. The data suggest that, though canonical views may be optimal for illustration of objects, views that place important distances across the display plane may yield better performance for procedures involving human bodies.