A Framework for Two-Handed Interaction in Desktop Virtual Environment

Abstract

This paper describes a two-handed interaction framework for desktop virtual environment, called TH3D. The design goal of it is to support device-independent, task-centered and fast development of two-handed applications on desktop computers. Existing research on two-handed interaction mainly focuses on specific interaction techniques and fails to achieve this goal. Our framework is characterized by its multi-layer design applied to two-handed interaction, including normalization of raw input data, interaction primitive and task construction and a built-in efficient two-handed interaction technique which integrates the benefits of egocentric and exocentric interaction. With this framework, application developers can pay more attention on analyzing interaction task and designing interaction techniques without caring more about a variety of devices and the mapping between interaction task and technique. While the current implementation is tested with ordinary Spacemouse and 2D mouse, this framework can be easily ported to other device combinations.