A Survey and Classification of 3D Pointing Techniques

Abstract

This paper introduces a survey and a classification of 3D pointing techniques. The survey presents a chronological view on the study of 3D pointing techniques. The classification is based on a proposed definition of 3D cursor. The paper shows that existing 3D pointing techniques can be either 3D pointer-based cursor or 3D line-based cursor. Based on recent results of 3D Fitts' law study and the definition of two types of 3D cursor, the paper discusses different virtual enhancements for improving existing 3D pointing techniques and for creating and evaluating new 3D pointing techniques which focus on decreasing the average target acquisition time.