An Interaction System for Watch Computers Using Tactile Guidance and Bidirectional Segmented Strokes

Abstract

We introduce an input system that is based on bidirectional strokes that are segmented by tactile landmarks. By giving the user tactile feedback about the length of a stroke during input, we decrease the dependence of the GUI on the visual display. By concatenating separate strokes into multi-strokes, complex commands may be entered, which may encode commands, data content, or both simultaneously. To demonstrate their power, we show how multi-strokes can be used to traverse a menu hierarchy quickly. In addition, we show how inter-landmark segments of the sensor may be used for continuous and discrete parameter entry, resulting in a multifunctional interaction paradigm. We also introduce multi-widgets, which allow the direct control of multiple virtual widgets without the need to change the state of the device or use modifier buttons. This approach to input does not depend on material displayed visually to the user, and, thanks to tactile guidance, may be used by expert users as an eyes-free user interface. We believe that these benefits make this interaction system especially suitable for wearable computer systems that use a head-worn display and wrist-worn watch-style devices.

Tactor placement in wrist worn wearables

“…systems like the Zypad, "WatchPad", etc. to name a few [5], [6], [7], [8]), but have not addressed vibro-tactile stimulation for non-disruptive communication up until now. [9] generally addresses user distraction as a factor which may mask or obscure vibrotactile perception.…”

The Pie Slider: Combining Advantages of the Real and the Virtual Space

“…Parameter adjustment by circular sliders in combination with passive haptic feedback provided by a physical input device can be also found in the watch computer interaction system of Blaskó and Feiner [1] as well as in some commodity computer devices like the iPod TM scroll wheel. Empirical comparison of such touch-based interfaces with tactile guidance to physical scroll wheels [24] and jog dials [15] revealed that the semi-tangible approach is not necessarily worse in terms of task performance.…”

Exploring interaction with a simulated wrist-worn projection display

“…We chose to employ the multiwidget [5]. The multiwidget allows a single touch sensor (e.g., a touchscreen or a section of a capacitive touchpad) to virtually implement a multitude of directly accessible cursorless manipulator widgets, with the assistance of passive haptic feedback.…”

“…We then discuss simple content-manipulation techniques controlled by the orientation and position of the user's wrist, which we implemented with our simulator. Finally, we discuss how cursorless interaction methods [5] can keep users from having to look away from the projected display, and show how these methods can be applied to manipulate content and control a prototype stock market information browser application.…”