VRMouse: Mouse Emulation with the VR Controller for 2D Selection in VR

Abstract

Selection is one of the fundamental tasks of user interaction in VR. Currently, the most popular selection technique is ray-casting, but whether ray-casting is the most appropriate selection method for 2D selection in VR is questionable due to its inherent limitations. To address the issues associated with ray-casting, we proposed the VRMouse, a new technique that emulates the mouse with the VR controller. VRMouse transforms the VR controller into a mouse by restricting its six degrees of freedom to two and simulating 2D desktop-like cursor control. We evaluated the technique against ray-casting in an experiment based on ISO 9241-9. Results indicated that VRMouse excelled over the ray-casting, in terms of accuracy, comfort, and satisfaction. The findings of this preliminary study imply that the proposed VRMouse technique could enhance 2D selection performance in VR.