The Finger Walker: A Method to Navigate Virtual Environments
Abstract
There are many factors which make virtual environment (VE) systems particularly useful for training applications. Not only can VE systems be easily reconfigured to simulate different real situations, but they can be used to create situations that could not exist in the real world but nonetheless are exceptionally effective in training. Within the general training area, work in this thesis focuses on training directed towards the acquisition of spatial knowledge. There are many cases in which spatial knowledge cannot be acquired in the actual environment, and the training must be accomplished by other means using a VE. A critical factor contributing to the acquisition of spatial knowledge is the method employed for moving around within the VE. Some methods of movement do not provide the user with any easily sensed measure of the amount of effort or work that would be associated with the movement in the real world. This thesis concentrates on the development of an interface that enables the user to "finger walk" through a VE. This interface makes use of a low friction pad that allows the user to finger walk "in place" and an electric field sensing system that monitors the position of the fingers on the pad. The user interface designed effectively tracks the user's movement along the surface of the pad for input into a VE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA362580
Entities
People
- Sanford B. Fitch
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology