The Planar: a mobile VR tool with pragmatic pose estimation for generation and manipulation of 3D data in industrial environments

We present the prototype of the Planar, a novel input/output device designed for applications in task areas focusing on the generation and manipulation of 3D data, e.g. CAD or styling. Technically, the Planar offers a spatially aware pen-sensitive display, mounted on an adjustable, scooter-like autonomous platform. The movable screen, with 6 degrees of freedom, can act like a window into 3D virtual environments and allows for efficient 2D and 3D interaction at the same time. We report on the pose estimation system of the Planar´s display where we focus on two enhanced optical mice combined to track horizontal 2D position/orientation. Results of this pragmatic approach are presented and discussed. In order to demonstrate the potential of the Planar we show a small review/sketching/annotation application. The overall goal of this work is to contribute to the development of real VR applications.