Exploring collaboration with group pointer interaction

Abstract

Enabling group collaboration is important in computer graphics today. We have developed a framework that supports multiple pointing devices to explore the collaborative utility of multiple mice and laser pointer interaction in graphical environments. Because most pointing device comparisons are done in the context of single user performance, very little is known about the affordances of collaborating with multiple pointing devices. We present an experimental comparison of mouse pointer to laser pointer interaction in a problem-solving task involving groups of one, two, and three people. We show that collaborative performance is largely orthogonal to motor performance and that the interaction patterns are dependent on the task and on the group size. This suggests that the collaborative characteristics of a pointing device are just as important as the physical characteristics that are usually given the most attention, such as precision and accuracy.

Comparing cursor orientations for mouse, pointer, and pen interaction

“…In immersive virtual environments, such pointers are often implemented with a 3D tracking wand or stylus [12]. With recent interest in camera-tracked laser pointer interaction, pointer input is making its way into mainstream interaction as an alternative for interaction with shared displays and other large screen environments [16,20,28].…”

A review and framework of laser-based collaboration support

“…It also enables measurement of the optimal location of surgery entry points by using laser technology. According to Vogt et al (2004) precise laser pointing can improve collaboration among multiple users operating in graphical virtual environments. Structured light and laser beam projector can also improve human perception and awareness, simplifying human action, thus improving the efficiency and precision of teleoperation (Park, 2000).…”

Pointing at a Distance with Everyday Smart Devices

“…In some cases, these objects are readily available but not something that the majority of people carry with them ubiquitously -for example laser pointers [9,38] or Wiimotes [8,19]. In other cases, these objects are everyday objects found in the environment that are then selectively augmented and co-opted as input [4,31].…”