An interactive 3D movement path manipulation method in an augmented reality environment

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate a path editing method using a tangible user interface to generate and manipulate the movement path of a 3D object in an Augmented Reality (AR) scene. To generate the movement path, each translation point of a real 3D manipulation prop is examined to determine which point should be used as a control point for the path. Interpolation using splines is then used to reconstruct the path with a smooth line. A dynamic score-based selection method is also used to effectively select small and dense control points of the path. In an experimental evaluation, our method took the same time and generated a similar amount of errors as a more traditional approach, however the number of control points needed was significantly reduced. For control manipulation, the task completion time was quicker and there was less hand movement needed. Our method can be applied to drawing or curve editing methods in AR educational, gaming, and simulation applications. (C) 2011 British Informatics Society Limited. All rights reserved.