Navigation in virtual reality: Comparison of gaze-directed and pointing motion control

Chris Christou, Aimilia Tzanavari, Kyriakos Herakleous, Charalambos Poullis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We compared two locomotion techniques in an immersive CAVE-like display in order to determine which one promotes better performance in a wayfinding task. One method, commonly found in computer games, allows participants to steer through the 3D scene according to their gaze direction while the other uncouples the gaze direction from the direction of travel. In both cases tracked physical head movements determined the gaze direction. In order to provide a realistic scenario for comparing these methods we devised a task in which participants had to navigate to various houses of a virtual village that was previously seen on a map. The 2D coordinates of paths taken by participants were recorded together with their success rates in finding the targets, and the time taken to reach their destination. Participants showed better results with the pointing method of motion control, reaching the targets faster and with fewer errors. Results are interpreted with respect to the benefits afforded by large field of view displays.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference
Subtitle of host publicationIntelligent and Efficient Technologies and Services for the Citizen, MELECON 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509000579
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2016
Event18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference, MELECON 2016 - Limassol, Cyprus
Duration: 18 Apr 201620 Apr 2016

Other

Other18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference, MELECON 2016
Country/TerritoryCyprus
CityLimassol
Period18/04/1620/04/16

Keywords

  • motion control
  • navigation
  • steering
  • virtual reality
  • wayfinding

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