Embodied interface for levitation and navigation in a 3D large space

Abstract

We propose an embodied interface that allows both physical and virtual displacement within an Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE). It consists of a modular wearable used to control a mechanical motion base from which a user is suspended. The motion base is able to navigate in 3D through seven wires whose length is adjusted via a parallel link manipulator. Furthermore, an IMU-based body posture detection enables users to "fly" within the IVE at their own will, providing hands-free navigation, and facilitating other tasks' interactions. To assess the usability of this embodied interface, we compared it with a Joystick-based navigation control. The results showed that this interface allows effective navigation towards several targets located in 3D space. Even though the efficiency of target reach of the Joystick-based interaction is higher, a subjective assessment shows that the interface is comparable to the Joystick in hedonic qualities and attractiveness. Further analysis showed that with more practice, participants might navigate with a performance comparable with the Joystick. Finally, we analyzed the embodied behavior during 3D space navigation. This sheds light on requirements for further 3D navigation design.