Lossless Multitasking: Using 3D Gestures Embedded in Mouse Devices

Desktop-based operating systems allow the use of many applications concurrently, but the frequent switching between two or more applications distracts the user, preventing him to keep focused in the main task. In this work we introduce an augmented mouse, which supports the regular 2D movements and clicks, as well as 3D gestures performed over it. While the keyboard and mouse conventional operation are used for the main task, with 3D gestures the user can control secondary tasks. As a proof of concept, we embedded a Leap Motion Controller device inside a regular mouse. User tests have been conducted firstly to help in the selection of the gestures supported, and then to evaluate the device effectiveness and usability. Results shown that the use of the augmented mouse as a strategy to keep the user focused reduces the task completion time.