1 SPECIFICATION FOR MAPPING MIXED REALITY VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY TO AEC TASKS Xiangyu Wang 1 and Phillip S. Dunston 2 ABSTRACT Mixed Reality (MR) denotes the blending of computer-generated content with real world environments in a single display, and it offers new options for interactions both with computer-based design information and with project collaborators over the entire life cycle of the engineered facility. A thorough observation of the mostly lab-based MR prototype applications in multiple domains highlights the need for a structured methodology addressing suitability and usability issues for the effective adoption of MR technology to occur. A methodology has been formulated for developing user-centered, performance enhancing MR- based systems to support performance of architecture, engineering, and construction work tasks. A case study was also implemented where the methodology was applied to select appropriate MR technologies for collaborative design review in mechanical contracting. INTRODUCTION Various computer technologies are being explored to improve aspects of architectural design, engineering analysis, construction, and maintenance. Mixed Reality (MR) is a special class of Virtual Reality (VR)-related technologies for creating environments wherein real world and virtual world objects are presented together in a single display. Complex design and construction tasks in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry are excellent domains for MR-based applications, where the need for good training and the access to large amounts of information invite the use of techniques for bringing additional information as seamlessly as possible into the view of the user. The state-of-the-art in MR today is comparable to the early years of VR. Many research- based prototype systems have been demonstrated but few have matured beyond the testing stage (Azuma 1997). Theoretical research should be conducted to optimize attempts to adopt MR technology for AEC applications, particularly in light of the traditional high-tech conservatism in the industry. A close review of the limited MR-based applications in AEC and other domains increases awareness of the need for a structured framework for establishing the scientific principles and extending technologies for the use of MR technology in the AEC industry . The specification presented in this paper was developed toward this objective, and it can frame critical pre-evaluation of technology suitability, usability, and cost for development of MR applications. The composition of the specification is summarized as follows: (1) the available MR technologies should be classified, followed by (2) a thorough analysis of the AEC task, and (3) the process is completed by establishing 1 Ph.D. Candidate Res. Asst., Purdue University, School of Civil Engrg., 550 Stadium Mall Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051; Voice: 765-409-3475; FAX: 765-494-0644; E-mail: wang0@purdue.edu. 2 Asst. Prof., Purdue University, School of Civil Engrg., 550 Stadium Mall Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051; Voice: 765-494-0640; FAX: 765-494-0644; E-mail: dunston@purdue.edu.