Direct Interaction with Large-Scale Display Systems using Infrared Laser tracking Devices

Existing large scale display systems generally adopt an indirect approach to user interaction. This is due to the use of standard desktop-oriented devices, such as a mouse on a desk, to control the large wall-sized display. By using an infrared laser pointer and an infrared tracking device, a more direct interaction with the large display can be achieved, thereby reducing the cognitive load of the user and improving their mobility. The challenge in designing such systems is to allow users to interact with objects on the display naturally and easily. Our system addresses this with hotspots, regions surrounding objects of interest, and gestures, movements made with the laser pointer which triggers an action, similar to those found in modern web browsers (e.g. Mozilla and Opera). Finally, these concepts are demonstrated by an add-in module for Microsoft PowerPoint using the NaturalPointTM Smart-NavTM tracking device.