Poster: Evaluation of a cup-shaped interface in tabletop AR environments

We have proposed MagicCup, a novel wand (3D mouse), for controlling virtual objects in a tabletop augmented reality (AR) environment. In this paper, we present an evaluation of its usability. MagicCup is a handheld input device that uses a real cup as a control interface. It differs from conventional wands in that it can be used to perform “covering” operations to interact with virtual objects. In order to evaluate its fundamental characteristics, we compared the “covering” interaction method with the corresponding methods of conventional wands, such as “pointing” and “touching.” MagicCup allows a user to select a virtual object by covering it with the cup and then holding it up. In contrast, pointing and touching wands allow a user to select an object by pointing at it and pressing a button or by touching it, respectively. Our experimental results indicated that the fundamental characteristics differed depending on the interaction methods. MagicCup was suitable for selecting one object from among several small, scattered objects. In contrast, the pointing and touching wands were suitable for selecting one object from among several small, closely packed objects. In addition, we describe the advantages of MagicCup and the other wands in detail.