SqueezeBlock: using virtual springs in mobile devices for eyes-free interaction

Authors:
Sidhant Gupta;Tim Campbell;Jeffrey R. Hightower;Shwetak N. Patel
Affiliations:
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;Intel Labs, Seattle, WA, USA;University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Venue:
UIST '10 Proceedings of the 23nd annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology
Year:
2010

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Abstract

Haptic feedback provides an additional interaction channel when auditory and visual feedback may not be appropriate. We present a novel haptic feedback system that changes its elasticity to convey information for eyes-free interaction. SqueezeBlock is an electro-mechanical system that can realize a virtual spring having a programmatically controlled spring constant. It also allows for additional haptic modalities by altering the Hooke's Law linear-elastic force- displacement equation, such as non-linear springs, size changes, and spring length (range of motion) variations. This ability to program arbitrarily spring constants also allows for "click" and button-like feedback. We present several potential applications along with results from a study showing how well participants can distinguish between several levels of stiffness, size, and range of motion. We conclude with implications for interaction design.