3DTouch: A wearable 3D input device with an optical sensor and a 9-DOF inertial measurement unit

TL;DR

3DTouch is a wearable fingertip device combining optical sensing and inertial measurement to enable accurate, portable 3D manipulation across platforms, offering a low-cost, user-friendly alternative to traditional 3D input methods.

Contribution

The paper introduces 3DTouch, a novel self-contained wearable 3D input device utilizing optical and inertial sensors, with new interaction techniques and demonstrated high tracking accuracy.

Findings

Tracking accuracy of 1.10 mm and 2.33 degrees.

Universal compatibility across 3D platforms.

Passive haptic feedback benefits.

Abstract

We present 3DTouch, a novel 3D wearable input device worn on the fingertip for 3D manipulation tasks. 3DTouch is designed to fill the missing gap of a 3D input device that is self-contained, mobile, and universally working across various 3D platforms. This paper presents a low-cost solution to designing and implementing such a device. Our approach relies on relative positioning technique using an optical laser sensor and a 9-DOF inertial measurement unit. 3DTouch is self-contained, and designed to universally work on various 3D platforms. The device employs touch input for the benefits of passive haptic feedback, and movement stability. On the other hand, with touch interaction, 3DTouch is conceptually less fatiguing to use over many hours than 3D spatial input devices. We propose a set of 3D interaction techniques including selection, translation, and rotation using 3DTouch. An evaluation also demonstrates the device's tracking accuracy of 1.10 mm and 2.33 degrees for subtle touch interaction in 3D space. Modular solutions like 3DTouch opens up a whole new design space for interaction techniques to further develop on.