In physical spaces, pointing interactions cannot rely on cursors, rays, or virtual hands for feedback as in virtual environments; users must rely solely on their perception and experience to capture targets. Currently, research on modeling target distribution for pointing interactions in physical space is relatively sparse. Area division is typically simplistic, and theoretical models are lacking. To address this issue, we propose two models for target distribution in physical space-pointing interactions: the single-target pointing endpoint distribution model (ST-PEDM) and the multi-target pointing endpoint distribution model (MT-PEDM). Based on these models, we have developed a basic region partitioning algorithm (BRPA) and an enhanced region partitioning algorithm (ERPA). We conducted experiments with 15 participants (11 males, and four females) to validate the proposed distribution models and region partitioning algorithm. The results indicate that these target distribution models accurately describe the distribution areas of targets, and the region partitioning algorithm demonstrates high precision and efficiency in determining user intentions during pointing interactions. At target distances of 200 cm and 300 cm, the accuracy without any algorithm is 60.54% and 42.39%, respectively. Using the BRPA algorithm, the accuracy is 72.94% and 68.57%, while, with the ERPA algorithm, the accuracy reaches 84.11% and 82.74%, respectively. This technology can be utilized in interaction scenarios involving handheld pointing devices, such as handheld remote controls. Additionally, it can be applied to the rapid capture control and trajectory planning of drone swarms. Users can quickly and accurately capture and control target drones using pointing interaction technology, issue commands, and transmit data through smart glasses, thereby achieving effective drone control and trajectory planning.
Keywords: human–computer interaction; pointing interaction; remote controls; target capture; target distribution model; trajectory planning.