Haptic chameleon: a new concept of shape-changing user interface controls with force feedback

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we introduce the concept of shape-changing, user interface control devices called "Haptic Chameleon", which refers to computer-controlled user interface devices that convey information to and from the user by altering their shape and feel. The user decides what a Haptic Chameleon control will do by changing its shape, and can immediately recognize the capabilities of the newly shaped device through haptic and tactile channels. By combining the benefits of tangible and haptic user interfaces, this new user interface paradigm has the potential to vastly improve the learning and efficiency of interaction in a wide range of applications. It also represents an appealing alternative to current control devices. We report on our experience with early prototypes based on this concept, discuss open issues, and propose possible directions for future work.

References

1. Bernsen, N. O.: Multimodality in Language and Speech Systems - From Theory to Design Support Tool, in: Granström, ed., Multimodality in Language and Speech Systems, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001.
2. Ishii, H., B. Ulmer: Tangible bits: towards seamless interfaces between people, bits and atoms. Proc. CHI 1997, pp. 234--241.
3. Murakami T. et al. DO-IT: Deformable Objects as Input Tools. Proc. CHI 1995, pp. 87--88.
4. Melli-Huber J., B. Weinberg, et al. Electro-Rheological Fluidic Actuators for Haptic Vehicular Instrument Controls. Proc. 11th Symposium on Haptic Interfaces for Virtual Environment and Teleoperator Systems, 2003, pp. 24--31.
5. SensAble Technologies. http://www.sensable.com.
6. Snibbe, S., K. MacLean, R. Shaw, J. Roderick, W. Verplank, M. Sheeff: Haptic techniques for media control. Proc. UIST 2001, pp. 199--208.
7. Ulmer, B., H. Ishii: The metaDESK: models and prototypes for tangible user interfaces. Proc. UIST 1997, pp. 223--232.
8. Williams, J., G. Michelitsch: Designing more effective Haptic Interaction: Inverted Damping. Proc. CHI 2003, pp. 856--857.

Index Terms

• Computing methodologies

  • Computer graphics

    • Graphics systems and interfaces

• Human-centered computing

  • Human computer interaction (HCI)

    • HCI design and evaluation methods

    • Interaction devices

      • Graphics input devices

      • Haptic devices

• Software and its engineering

  • Software notations and tools

    • Development frameworks and environments

      • Integrated and visual development environments