Analysis of the Accuracy and Robustness of the Leap Motion Controller

TLDR

The Leap Motion Controller is a hand‑gesture interface device claiming sub‑millimeter accuracy, yet its real‑world performance has not been evaluated. This study investigates the accuracy and repeatability of the Leap Motion Controller. The authors developed a novel test rig using an industrial robot and a reference pen that provides 0.2 mm positional accuracy. They found deviations of less than 0.2 mm in static setups and 1.2 mm in dynamic setups, indicating the device’s limits and guiding future HCI application development.

Abstract

The Leap Motion Controller is a new device for hand gesture controlled user interfaces with declared sub-millimeter accuracy. However, up to this point its capabilities in real environments have not been analyzed. Therefore, this paper presents a first study of a Leap Motion Controller. The main focus of attention is on the evaluation of the accuracy and repeatability. For an appropriate evaluation, a novel experimental setup was developed making use of an industrial robot with a reference pen allowing a position accuracy of 0.2 mm. Thereby, a deviation between a desired 3D position and the average measured positions below 0.2mmhas been obtained for static setups and of 1.2mmfor dynamic setups. Using the conclusion of this analysis can improve the development of applications for the Leap Motion controller in the field of Human-Computer Interaction.