Low-Fi VR Controller: Improved Mobile Virtual Reality Interaction via Camera-Based Tracking

PubDate:Oct 2023

Teams: Carleton University

Writers:Kristen Grinyer,Robert Teather

PDF:Low-Fi VR Controller: Improved Mobile Virtual Reality Interaction via Camera-Based Tracking

Abstract

Mobile virtual reality (VR) provides an accessible alternative to high-end VR, but currently offers only limited interaction, hindering its usability, the variety of VR experiences it can provide, and widespread adoption. To improve interaction on mobile VR, we present a novel input solution: the Low-Fi VR Controller. The controller uses the smartphone camera to track markers to provide 6DOF input. It costs virtually nothing as it is made of cost-effective accessible materials. We performed a user study based on Fitts’ law to evaluate the controller's performance in selection tasks, and to compare three selection activation methods (Instant, Dwell, Marker). Despite tracking issues, selection throughput with the Instant method was comparable to other similar ray-based selection techniques reported in other studies, at roughly 2.2 bps. Our results validate the controller as an acceptable 3D input device and will propose avenues to improve performance and user experience with the controller in future work.