3D gesture interaction for handheld augmented reality

In this paper, we present a prototype for exploring natural gesture interaction with Handheld Augmented Reality (HAR) applications, using visual tracking based AR and freehand gesture based interaction detected by a depth camera. We evaluated this prototype in a user study comparing 3D gesture input methods with traditional touch-based techniques, using canonical manipulation tasks that are common in AR scenarios. We collected task performance data and user feedback via a usability questionnaire. The 3D gesture input methods were found to be slower, but the majority of the participants preferred them and gave them higher usability ratings. Being intuitive and natural was the most common feedback about the 3D freehand interface. We discuss implications of this research and directions for further work.