Gesture-based target acquisition in virtual and augmented reality

Abstract

Background Gesture is a basic interaction channel that is frequently used by humans to communicate in daily life. In this paper, we explore to use gesture-based approaches for target acquisition in virtual and augmented reality. A typical process of gesture-based target acquisition is: when a user intends to acquire a target, she performs a gesture with her hands, head or other parts of the body, the computer senses and recognizes the gesture and infers the most possible target. Methods We build mental model and behavior model of the user to study two key parts of the interaction process. Mental model describes how user thinks up a gesture for acquiring a target, and can be the intuitive mapping between gestures and targets. Behavior model describes how user moves the body parts to perform the gestures, and the relationship between the gesture that user intends to perform and signals that computer senses. Results In this paper, we present and discuss three pieces of research that focus on the mental model and behavior model of gesture-based target acquisition in VR and AR. Conclusions We show that leveraging these two models, interaction experience and performance can be improved in VR and AR environments. Keywords: Gesture-based interaction, Mental model, Behavior model, Virtual reality, Augmented reality