Flexible visualization framework for head-mounted display with gesture interaction interface

Abstract

As the development of new visualization systems, within the field of simulation, offers their users more insights from their simulations, immersive systems are becoming a part of the visualization techniques. With the recent advancements of the Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) and popularity of motion sensors, human beings and computer become more interactive. This study aims to evaluate the potential of such systems as a visualization tool through the development of a new flexible framework for visualization within virtual reality (VR) environment, using an Oculus Rift and a Leap Motion. Two approaches are then compared: high-3D object rendering within the virtual scene approach and a user experience-oriented system with an intuitive interface. To assess the quality of the interface and its relevance for the user, different types of gestures are implemented and tested. From an experiment on users to evaluate the developed system as a proper visualization tool, the HMDs, paired with a motion sensor to make a gesture-controlled interface seem to be promising mediums despite various constraints on development regarding the technology limitations.