We present a new technique based on using embedded compass (magnetic) sensor for efficient use of 3D space around a mobile device for interaction with the device. Around Device Interaction (ADI) enables extending interaction space of small mobile and tangible devices beyond their physical boundary. Our proposed method is based on using compass (magnetic field) sensor integrated in new mobile devices (e.g. iPhone 3GS, G1/2 Android). In this method, a properly shaped permanent magnet (e.g. a rod, pen or a ring) is used for interaction. The user makes coarse gestures in 3D space around the device using the magnet. Movement of the magnet affects magnetic field sensed by the compass sensor integrated in the device. The temporal pattern of the gesture is then used as a basis for sending different interaction commands to the mobile device. The proposed method does not impose changes in hardware and physical specifications of the mobile device, and unlike optical methods is not limited by occlusion problems. Therefore, it allows for efficient use of 3D space around device, including back of device. Zooming, turning pages, accepting/rejecting calls, clicking items, controlling a music player, and mobile game interaction are some example use cases. Initial evaluation of our algorithm using a prototype application developed for iPhone shows convincing gesture classification results.

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Recently, a new authentication method based on 3D signatures created in air is proposed for mobile devices [4]. The 3D signature is created in air using a properly shaped magnet (a rod or ring) taken in hand. It is based on influencing compass sensor embedded in the new generation of mobile devices. In this paper, we present implementation of this technology on a mobile device (iPhone 3GS). It can demonstrate authentication process using a gesture in the form of a 3D signature freely created in the space around the device by a magnet held in hand. Movement of the magnet in the from of a signature produces a temporal change in the magnetic field sensed by the embedded compass sensor, and can be used as a basis for authentication. As magnetic signatures are performed in 3D space, they can provide a wider choice for authentication, and they can not be easily hardcopied.

Around Device Interaction (ADI) is recently introduced in the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) to provide touchless, more intuitive way of interaction using space beyond the physical boundary of the computing devices. In this paper, we introduce a new ADI input device called Pingu in the form factor of a fingering that allows users to interact with any nearby computing device with wireless connectivity in a ubiquitous environment. Fingering formfactor is chosen for our prototype design, as it is socially acceptable and is commonly worn in everyday social contexts, and based on the previous research, the information entropy of interaction by fingers is greater than the entropy for any other parts of the human body. The current Pingu prototype is consisted of an extensive set of sensors, visual and vibrotactile feedback mechanisms with wireless connectivity that make it a unique input device for human-computer or human-human interaction in the form of gestures, tactile and touch. Its usage can range from advanced, tiny and novel gestural interaction with a variety of devices to mobile and networked sensing, and social computing. We present a few potential applications of Pingu such as social interaction, context recognition, in-car interaction, and physical activity analysis.