Dynamic viewpoint tethering

摘要

In this study, we focus on investigating users' navigational performance with respect to the display frame of reference. Dynamic viewpoint tethering is proposed as a means to increase user control and reduce the need for mental rotations, thus facilitating the acquisition of configurational knowledge about the virtual space.The concept of dynamic viewpoint tethering is explained and recent research findings are presented. Twelve volunteers participated in an experiment in which they were instructed to control an aircraft-shaped cursor flying through a set of virtual tunnels and to answer questions about the environment. Experimental results showed that neither the loose dynamic tether nor the rigid tether supported the best control performance. Rather, optimal tether configuration lies at the centre of the rigidity continuum. The research results provide useful guidelines for the design of navigational system interfaces.