Recognition Characteristics of Interface Designed for Gesture Operations of 3D Objects

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of an interface for gesture control and Boolean operation of 3D objects in 3D computer-aided design (CAD). Although mouse and keyboard have been mainly used as computer input devices, novel computer interfaces are becoming increasingly popular with rapid development of computer technologies. Among several computer interfaces, the gesture interface is well-known as an system operable through the natural human behavior. However, the application to 3D CAD has been scarcely studied so far. From the backgrounds, a simple gesture interface was developed to operate a 3D object in 3D CAD. Leap Motion Controller (LMC) was used as a motion sensor device. A dialog-based graphical user interface (GUI) was also created for the parameter setting. As a result, several operational functions could be successfully executed through various hand-finger motions. Moreover, the system enabled us to experience an intuitive interaction with 3D CAD. Then, the several demonstrations were performed to identify the recognition characteristics of the gesture interface. The differences in the recognition rate were revealed as the results. Especially, it confirmed that a combination of static and dynamic gestures could help to enhance the recognition rate in the gesture interface using LMC. In accordance with the findings, the functions for Boolean operation were also implemented for the manipulation of a 3D object, such as extrusion and hole making.