POINTING TASK EVALUATION OF GESTURAL INTERFACE INTERACTION IN 3D VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

Performing tasks on virtual environments are increasingly becoming a normal practice due to the developments on graphic rendering systems and interaction techniques. Many fields profit from gestural 3D interaction from entertainment to medical purposes. Having this in mind, the aim of this study is to research the relevance of using determined 6DoF input devices when interacting with three-dimensional models in graphical interfaces. This paper presents an evaluation of 3D pointing tasks using Leap Motion sensor to support 3D object manipulation. Three controlled experiments were guided throughout the study, exposing test subjects to pointing task evaluations and object deformation, measuring the time taken to perform mesh extrusion and object translation. Qualitative data was gathered using the System Usability Scale questionnaire. The collected data shows a strong correlation between input device and performance time suggesting a dominance of the Leap Motion gestural interface over mouse interaction concerning single target three-dimensional pointing tasks. Multi-target tasks were better performed within mouse interaction due to 3D input system accuracy issues. Performance times regarding shape deformation task proofed that mouse interaction outperformed 3D Input device.