Comparison of relative versus absolute pointing devices

Abstract

In this study, a relative pointing device was compared with two different absolute pointing devices. Participants used a Wii Remote™ controller with the Wii MotionPlus™ attachment in three different configurations of motion sensing: Relative (6-axis: 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope), Camera Absolute (camera only), and Stabilized Absolute (camera + 6-axis). Twenty-four participants were given a series of movement tasks based on Fitts’ test to complete at three different distances. In terms of information throughput, pointing accuracy, and user preference, relative pointing was clearly superior to absolute pointing, even when absolute pointing included stabilization.