Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 5.3
Navigation interfaces that would benefit different types of VE applications
Navigation
Environment scale
interface
Model
Small
Large
Abstract
-
-
Data visualization
(Vis group)
Orientation-
Cockpit layout
-
-
tracked
Close-range naval weaponry
(Rot group)
Helicopter crew collaboration
Molecular docking
Linear treadmill
-
Motor rehabilitation Chemical plant
(Trans group)
Architecture
Retail shop layout
Learn evacuation route
Heritage and tourism
Computer games
Walking
-
Engine assembly
Search building
(Full group)
Control room
Post-traumatic
layout
stress disorder
Identity parade
ments to their position. Therefore, orientation-tracking (the type of interface used
by Rot groups in the studies described above) is sufficient and there is no need for
a full walking interface, as evidenced by a number of successful, military training
applications [
3
].
5.5.2 Small-Scale Environments
InVE applications that utilize a small-scale environment, users generally knowwhere
theywish to travel, so the primary navigational challenge is maneuvering. The studies
show a qualitative difference in people's maneuverability with Full (walking) inter-
faces, compared with Rot and Vis (abstract) interfaces, coupled with objective data
that show that users collide with objects within the environment significantly less
oftenwhen awalking interface is used [
10
,
11
,
14
]. This reduction takes placewithout
the need to implement collision detection/feedback in the VE software, because users
have a natural tendency to avoid objects so long as the interface provides sufficient
maneuverability. Therefore, there is a clear indication that a walking interface is ben-
eficial for applications such as engine assembly design, control room layout design
and virtual identity parades, though cheaper, carefully designed desktop alternatives
should also be considered (e.g., see [
8
]).
Control room layout combines the same requirement for maneuverability with
the need for users to be spatially aware of the environment they are designing, which
also benefits significantly from the provision of a walking interface [
11
,
12
]. As with
