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Comparing methods for numerical input in immersive virtual environments

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Abstract

Numeric input is a sub-case of alphanumeric input where a user wishes to communicate a numerical value to the computer. While this is a straightforward task for windows-based environments, this is not the case for immersive virtual environments. In this paper we design, implement, and evaluate different methods based on gestures or hand-held devices such as wireless numeric keyboards and gamepads. The assessment showed that hand-held devices can be easier to use and faster for data input. A numeric keyboard can offer fast input for positive, small numbers, while the gamepad-based method can offer uniform performance. Although the gesture-based method did not perform as well, there is still scope for its use when a designer needs a method that leaves both user’s hands free during interaction.

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  1. Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of the Peloponnese, Tripolis, Arcadia, Greece

    Georgios Lepouras

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  1. Georgios Lepouras
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Correspondence to Georgios Lepouras.

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Lepouras, G. Comparing methods for numerical input in immersive virtual environments. Virtual Reality 22, 63–77 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-017-0312-5

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