Explore Voice and Foot-based Interaction Techniques to Navigate 2D Radiological Images in the Virtual Reality Operation Theatre

During surgery, the surgeons often need to interact with the 2D radiological images. Due to sterility, surgeons are unable to interact with the system and depend on duty assistant. However, communication with the substitute might be complicated and error-prone if the operators and the surgeons do not have an equal level of communication skills which might interrupt the workflow. To get rid of the dependency on substitute operator, two hands-free modalities i.e. voice and foot- based interactions have been analyzed and investigated for the surgeon to interact with 2D images. To feel like a real Operation Theatre, the Virtual Reality environment has been designed, where the hands-free modalities are deployed. 16 participants had evaluated the interaction systems. To analysis, the system usability, the qualitative and quantitative studies have been considered. Our finding indicates that both systems reached general usability rating. Wherein the observation indicated that, the voice command system is comfortable to use whereas foot- based interaction is more efficient. Nevertheless, for the short and longer interaction foot-based interaction is preferable than a voice command, however, for short interaction, voice command is more acceptable.