Virtual Pockets in Virtual Reality

Abstract

This paper presents the use of the virtual pocket user interface metaphor in virtual environments (VEs). Virtual pockets act like real-world pockets ó the user can put tools into pockets and select them with simple gestures. The pockets are body-centric and they can be used while the user is focusing on some object in the VE. We present the behavior of our virtual pocket implementation and compare its performance with different variations. The user tests show that virtual pockets are a useful metaphor and that selection of the correct feedback method has a strong impact on how well the pockets work.