It is an interesting challenge to design input devices that are easy to learn and use and that allow a wide range of differentiated input. We have developed a novel joystick-like handheld input device as a 6DOF elastic rate controller for travel and rate-controlled object manipulation in virtual environments. The NOYO combines a 6DOF elastic force sensor with a 3DOF source-less isotonic orientation tracker. This combination allows consistent mapping of input forces from local device coordinates to absolute world coordinates, effectively making the NOYO a 'SpaceMouse to go'. The device is designed to allow one-handed as well as two-handed operation, depending on the task and the skill level of the user. A quantitative usability study shows the handheld NOYO to be up to 21% faster, easier to learn, and significantly more efficient than the SpaceMouse desktop device.
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