Multiple multi-touch touchpads for 3D selection

Abstract

We propose a 3D selection method with multiple multi-touch touchpads. The method enables 3D region selection requiring fewer actions assuming some constraints, such as that the 3D region is defined by a rectangular parallelepiped. Our method uses an asymmetric bimanual technique to define a 3D region which in the best case requires only a single action. We employ two touchpads, each recognizing input from up to two fingers, and all actions can be executed while the user is resting her arms on the table, reducing fatigue caused when interacting with multi-touch displays. The technique also supports other typical manipulations, such as object and camera translation and rotation. The 3D region selection technique can be applied to define visualization regions in volumetric rendering or objects within a scene.