Abstract
Recently, many studies have been conducted to apply virtual reality (VR) technology to the mining industry. To accomplish this, it is necessary to develop user interface devices that can effectively control software. Most VR content in the mining industry requires precise device control for equipment operation or accident response. In this study, we compare the performance of four user interface devices (a 2D mouse, 2D & 3D mice, a VR controller, and a Kinect (Microsoft) sensor and bend-sensing data glove) for controlling mining industry software in a VR environment. The total working time, number of device clicks and click accuracy, were analyzed based on 10 experimenters performing 3D orebody modeling, using each device in the VR environment. Furthermore, we conducted a survey to evaluate the ease of learning, ease of use, immersion and fatigue of each device after the experiment. The results show that the 2D mouse yields a high performance in terms of its working time, click accuracy, ease of learning and ease of use. However, the 2D mouse did not completely leverage the VR environment, owing to low user immersion. The Kinect sensor and bend-sensing data glove could control the software efficiently while maximizing user immersion. Our findings are expected to provide a useful reference for the future development of user interface devices in the mining industry.
Highlights
Virtual reality (VR) technology enables users to perceive the virtual world as if it were real, and to interact with it by providing various sensations to users in a virtual world implemented using a computer [1,2].Studies on virtual reality (VR) technology have been conducted since Ivan Sutherland [3] developed a head mounted display (HMD) in 1968
The working times for each user interface device differed slightly for each felt in the VR environment when using the devices was rated between 1 to 5, and experimenter
Apart from the VR controller, no significant difference was observed in the working time spent by Figure 4 shows the cumulative working times of three of the experimenters with the HMD device experimenter No 2 when using the other three user interface devices
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) technology enables users to perceive the virtual world as if it were real, and to interact with it by providing various sensations to users in a virtual world implemented using a computer [1,2]. Studies on VR technology have been conducted since Ivan Sutherland [3] developed a head mounted display (HMD) in 1968. VR technology has since been used widely in various industries. Lele [4] presented an assessment of VR technology for military applications. Conducted a feasibility assessment for medical treatment of VR technology and Seymour et al [6] analyzed the use of VR technology for medical training in the operating room. Portman and Natapov [7] introduced the application of VR technology for architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental planning
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
