Interaction fidelity in virtual simulators: two navigation techniques for a virtual biopsy trainer

Virtual Reality simulators are increasingly used for training novice surgeons. However, there is currently a lack of guidelines for how to go about achieving the appropriate levels of interaction fidelity for these systems. In this paper, we present two navigation techniques for a needle insertion trainer. The first technique is based on tracking the user's head position and represents a high-fidelity interaction metaphor. The second technique is touch-based and represents a medium-fidelity interaction metaphor. Our objective is to present the design rational of these techniques, our research questions and a discussion about the experimental study that will be used to compare them.