The Planar: a mobile VR tool with pragmatic pose estimation for generation and manipulation of 3D data in industrial environments

We present the prototype of the Planar, a novel input/output device designed for applications in task areas focusing on the generation and manipulation of 3D data, e.g. CAD or styling. Technically, the Planar offers a spatially aware pen-sensitive display, mounted on an adjustable, scooter-like autonomous platform. The movable screen, with 6 degrees of freedom, can act like a window into 3D virtual environments and allows for efficient 2D and 3D interaction at the same time. We report on the pose estimation system of the Planar's display where we focus on two enhanced optical mice combined to track horizontal 2D position/orientation. Results of this pragmatic approach are presented and discussed. In order to demonstrate the potential of the Planar we show a small review/sketching/annotation application. The overall goal of this work is to contribute to the development of real VR applications.