Vibration feedbacks in pilot-aircraft haptic interaction

A research about different ways of encoding the distance information with vibrotactile feedback was done as part of a bigger project with the aim of designing a device which would help the pilot to achieve greater precision during the flight. Different kinds of stall warning devices and structural additions were already designed in the field of aviation, lingering only over attentional guidance. Therefore, a lack of spatial and movement guidance was detected. This paper lingers on this research which aimed to encode and evaluate haptic guiding methods

Integrating Haptic Feedback into Mobile Location Based Services

Haptics is a feedback technology that takes advantage of the human sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to a haptic-enabled device such as a mobile phone. Historically, human-computer interaction has been visual - text and images on the screen. Haptic feedback can be an important additional method especially in Mobile Location Based Services such as knowledge discovery, pedestrian navigation and notification systems. A knowledge discovery system called the Haptic GeoWand is a low interaction system that allows users to query geo-tagged data around them by using a point-and-scan technique with their mobile device. Haptic Pedestrian is a navigation system for walkers. Four prototypes have been developed classified according to the user’s guidance requirements, the user type (based on spatial skills), and overall system complexity. Haptic Transit is a notification system that provides spatial information to the users of public transport. In all these systems, haptic feedback is used to convey information about location, orientation, density and distance by use of the vibration alarm with varying frequencies and patterns to help understand the physical environment. Trials elicited positive responses from the users who see benefit in being provided with a “heads up” approach to mobile navigation. Results from a memory recall test show that the users of haptic feedback for navigation had better memory recall of the region traversed than the users of landmark images. Haptics integrated into a multi-modal navigation system provides more usable, less distracting but more effective interaction than conventional systems. Enhancements to the current work could include integration of contextual information, detailed large-scale user trials and the exploration of using haptics within confined indoor spaces

Haptic Media Scenes

The aim of this thesis is to apply new media phenomenological and enactive embodied cognition approaches to explain the role of haptic sensitivity and communication in personal computer environments for productivity. Prior theory has given little attention to the role of haptic senses in influencing cognitive processes, and do not frame the richness of haptic communication in interaction design—as haptic interactivity in HCI has historically tended to be designed and analyzed from a perspective on communication as transmissions, sending and receiving haptic signals. The haptic sense may not only mediate contact confirmation and affirmation, but also rich semiotic and affective messages—yet this is a strong contrast between this inherent ability of haptic perception, and current day support for such haptic communication interfaces. I therefore ask: How do the haptic senses (touch and proprioception) impact our cognitive faculty when mediated through digital and sensor technologies? How may these insights be employed in interface design to facilitate rich haptic communication? To answer these questions, I use theoretical close readings that embrace two research fields, new media phenomenology and enactive embodied cognition. The theoretical discussion is supported by neuroscientific evidence, and tested empirically through case studies centered on digital art. I use these insights to develop the concept of the haptic figura, an analytical tool to frame the communicative qualities of haptic media. The concept gauges rich machine- mediated haptic interactivity and communication in systems with a material solution supporting active haptic perception, and the mediation of semiotic and affective messages that are understood and felt. As such the concept may function as a design tool for developers, but also for media critics evaluating haptic media. The tool is used to frame a discussion on opportunities and shortcomings of haptic interfaces for productivity, differentiating between media systems for the hand and the full body. The significance of this investigation is demonstrating that haptic communication is an underutilized element in personal computer environments for productivity and providing an analytical framework for a more nuanced understanding of haptic communication as enabling the mediation of a range of semiotic and affective messages, beyond notification and confirmation interactivity

Tools in and out of sight : an analysis informed by Cultural-Historical Activity Theory of audio-haptic activities involving people with visual impairments supported by technology

The main purpose of this thesis is to present a Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) based analysis of the activities conducted by and with visually impaired users supported by audio-haptic technology.This thesis covers several studies conducted in two projects. The studies evaluate the use of audio-haptic technologies to support and/or mediate the activities of people with visual impairment. The focus is on the activities involving access to two-dimensional information, such as pictures or maps. People with visual impairments can use commercially available solutions to explore static information (raised lined maps and pictures, for example). Solu-tions for dynamic access, such as drawing a picture or using a map while moving around, are more scarce. Two distinct projects were initiated to remedy the scarcity of dynamic access solutions, specifically focusing on two separate activities.The first project, HaptiMap, focused on pedestrian outdoors navigation through audio feedback and gestures mediated by a GPS equipped mobile phone. The second project, HIPP, focused on drawing and learning about 2D representations in a school setting with the help of haptic and audio feedback. In both cases, visual feedback was also present in the technology, enabling people with vision to take advantage of that modality too.The research questions addressed are: How can audio and haptic interaction mediate activ-ities for people with visual impairment? Are there features of the programming that help or hinder this mediation? How can CHAT, and specifically the Activity Checklist, be used to shape the design process, when designing audio haptic technology together with persons with visual impairments?Results show the usefulness of the Activity Checklist as a tool in the design process, and provide practical application examples. A general conclusion emphasises the importance of modularity, standards, and libre software in rehabilitation technology to support the development of the activities over time and to let the code evolve with them, as a lifelong iterative development process. The research also provides specific design recommendations for the design of the type of audio haptic systems involved

Exploring distance encodings with a tactile display to convey turn by turn information in automobiles

Visual and auditory displays successfully complement each other presenting information in car navigation systems. However, they distract the visual and auditory attention of the driver, which is needed in many primary driving tasks, such as maneuvering the car or observing the traffic. Tactile interfaces can form an alternative way to display spatial information. The way of how exactly information should be presented in a vibro-tactile way is explored rarely. In this paper we investigate three different designs of vibro-tactile stimulation to convey distance information to the driver using a tactile waist belt. We explore the tactile parameters intensity, rhythm, duration, and body location for encoding the distance information. We conduct a comparative experiment on a real navigation scenario in an urban environment to evaluate our designs. In our study we discovered that rhythm and duration are suitable parameters to generate tactile stimulation for encoding distance information. In this way the driver perceives countable vibro-tactile pulses, which indicate the distance in turn by turn instructions. The approach is found be simple way of encoding complex navigational information

Toward multimodality: gesture and vibrotactile feedback in natural human computer interaction

In the present work, users’ interaction with advanced systems has been investigated in different application domains and with respect to different interfaces. The methods employed were carefully devised to respond to the peculiarities of the interfaces under examination. We could extract a set of recommendations for developers. The first application domain examined regards the home. In particular, we addressed the design of a gestural interface for controlling a lighting system embedded into a piece of furniture in the kitchen. A sample of end users was observed while interacting with the virtual simulation of the interface. Based on the videoanalysis of users’ spontaneous behaviors, we could derive a set of significant interaction trends The second application domain involved the exploration of an urban environment in mobility. In a comparative study, a haptic-audio interface and an audio-visual interface were employed for guiding users towards landmarks and for providing them with information. We showed that the two systems were equally efficient in supporting the users and they were both well- received by them. In a navigational task we compared two tactile displays each embedded in a different wearable device, i.e., a glove and a vest. Despite the differences in the shape and size, both systems successfully directed users to the target. The strengths and the flaws of the two devices were pointed out and commented by users. In a similar context, two devices supported Augmented Reality technology, i.e., a pair of smartglasses and a smartphone, were compared. The experiment allowed us to identify the circumstances favoring the use of smartglasses or the smartphone. Considered altogether, our findings suggest a set of recommendations for developers of advanced systems. First, we outline the importance of properly involving end users for unveiling intuitive interaction modalities with gestural interfaces. We also highlight the importance of providing the user the chance to choose the interaction mode better fitting the contextual characteristics and to adjust the features of every interaction mode. Finally, we outline the potential of wearable devices to support interactions on the move and the importance of finding a proper balance between the amount of information conveyed to the user and the size of the device

Värinäpalaute kävelynavigoinnin tukena

Älypuhelin on lähes korvannut erilliset autonavigaattorit, ja uusimmat navigointiohjelmat tukevat myös jalankulkutilaa. Älypuhelinten navigointiohjelmat antavat reittiopasteet puheena, reittinä kartalla ja symbolisina ohjeina. Nämä ohjeet vaativat käyttäjältä aktiivista seuraamista ja aiheuttavat liikennetilanteeseen kognitiivista kuormitusta ja tarkkaavaisuuden herpaantumista. Tuntoaistia voidaan käyttää rinnakkaisena aistikanavana kuulon ja näön rinnalla. Tässä tutkielmassa tutkitaan älypuhelimen kävelynavigointisovelluksen reittiopasteiden toistamista älykellolla värinäpalautteena. Älykellon värinämoottorilla tuotetaan käyttäjän ranteeseen värinään perustuvat reittiopasteet. Käyttäjätutkimuksella selvitettiin, ovatko värinäpalauteohjeet ymmärrettäviä ja tunnistettavia. Käyttäjät kävelivät lyhyen reitin tuntoaistiin perustuvien ohjeiden avustamana. Reittiopasteista toistettiin värinäpalautteella etäisyys seuraavaan käännökseen ja käännöksen suunta. Tutkimukseen osallistui kuusi vapaaehtoista henkilöä. Haastatteluiden perusteella värinäpalauteohjeet koettiin selkeiksi ja hyvin tunnistettaviksi. Tämän tutkimuksen tuloksia voidaan värinäpalauteohjeiden osalta soveltaa yhden värinämoottorin sisältäviin laitteisiin, eli ne voidaan siirtää myös älypuhelimella käytettäväksi, kunhan älypuhelin on esimerkiksi taskussa tiukasti kehoa vasten niin, että käyttäjä tuntee värinäpalauteohjeet

Supporting the Development Process of Multimodal and Natural Automotive User Interfaces

Nowadays, driving a car places multi-faceted demands on the driver that go beyond maneuvering a vehicle through road traffic. The number of additional functions for entertainment, infotainment and comfort increased rapidly in the last years. Each new function in the car is designed to make driving as pleasant as possible but also increases the risk that the driver will be distracted from the primary driving task. One of the most important goals for designers of new and innovative automotive user interfaces is therefore to keep driver distraction to a minimum while providing an appropriate support to the driver. This goal can be achieved by providing tools and methods that support a human-centred development process. In this dissertation, a design space will be presented that helps to analyze the use of context, to generate new ideas for automotive user interfaces and to document them. Furthermore, new opportunities for rapid prototyping will be introduced. To be able to evaluate new automotive user interfaces and interaction concepts regarding their effect on driving performance, a driving simulation software was developed within the scope of this dissertation. In addition, research results in the field of multimodal, implicit and eye-based interaction in the car are presented. The different case studies mentioned illustrate the systematic and comprehensive research on the opportunities of these kinds of interaction, as well as their effects on driving performance. We developed a prototype of a vibration steering wheel that communicates navigation instructions. Another prototype of a steering wheel has a display integrated in the middle and enables handwriting input. A further case study explores a visual placeholder concept to assist drivers when using in-car displays while driving. When a driver looks at a display and then at the street, the last gaze position on the display is highlighted to assist the driver when he switches his attention back to the display. This speeds up the process of resuming an interrupted task. In another case study, we compared gaze-based interaction with touch and speech input. In the last case study, a driver-passenger video link system is introduced that enables the driver to have eye contact with the passenger without turning his head. On the whole, this dissertation shows that by using a new human-centred development process, modern interaction concepts can be developed in a meaningful way.Das Führen eines Fahrzeuges stellt heute vielfältige Ansprüche an den Fahrer, die über das reine Manövrieren im Straßenverkehr hinausgehen. Die Fülle an Zusatzfunktionen zur Unterhaltung, Navigation- und Komfortzwecken, die während der Fahrt genutzt werden können, ist in den letzten Jahren stark angestiegen. Einerseits dient jede neu hinzukommende Funktion im Fahrzeug dazu, das Fahren so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten, birgt aber anderseits auch immer das Risiko, den Fahrer von seiner primären Fahraufgabe abzulenken. Eines der wichtigsten Ziele für Entwickler von neuen und innovativen Benutzungsschnittstellen im Fahrzeug ist es, die Fahrerablenkung so gering wie möglich zu halten und dabei dem Fahrer eine angemessene Unterstützung zu bieten. Werkzeuge und Methoden, die einen benutzerzentrierten Entwicklungsprozess unter-stützen, können helfen dieses Ziel zu erreichen. In dieser Dissertation wird ein Entwurfsraum vorgestellt, welcher helfen soll den Benutzungskontext zu analysieren, neue Ideen für Benutzungsschnittstellen zu generieren und diese zu dokumentieren. Darüber hinaus wurden im Rahmen der Arbeit neue Möglichkeiten zur schnellen Prototypenerstellung entwickelt. Es wurde ebenfalls eine Fahrsimulationssoftware erstellt, welche die quantitative Bewertung der Auswirkungen von Benutzungs-schnittstellen und Interaktionskonzepten auf die Fahreraufgabe ermöglicht. Desweiteren stellt diese Dissertation neue Forschungsergebnisse auf den Gebieten der multimodalen, impliziten und blickbasierten Interaktion im Fahrzeug vor. In verschiedenen Fallbeispielen wurden die Möglichkeiten dieser Interaktionsformen sowie deren Auswirkung auf die Fahrerablenkung umfassend und systematisch untersucht. Es wurde ein Prototyp eines Vibrationslenkrads erstellt, womit Navigations-information übermittelt werden können sowie ein weiterer Prototyp eines Lenkrads, welches ein Display in der Mitte integriert hat und damit handschriftliche Texteingabe ermöglicht. Ein visuelles Platzhalterkonzept ist im Fokus eines weiteren Fallbeispiels. Auf einem Fahrzeugdisplay wird die letzte Blickposition bevor der Fahrer seine Aufmerksamkeit dem Straßenverkehr zuwendet visuell hervorgehoben. Dies ermöglicht dem Fahrer eine unterbrochene Aufgabe z.B. das Durchsuchen einer Liste von Musik-titel schneller wieder aufzunehmen, wenn er seine Aufmerksamkeit wieder dem Display zuwendet. In einer weiteren Studie wurde blickbasierte Interaktion mit Sprach- und Berührungseingabe verglichen und das letzte Fallbeispiel beschäftigt sich mit der Unterstützung der Kommunikation im Fahrzeug durch die Bereitstellung eines Videosystems, welches Blickkontakt zwischen dem Fahrer und den Mitfahrern ermöglicht, ohne dass der Fahrer seinen Kopf drehen muss. Die Arbeit zeigt insgesamt, dass durch den Einsatz eines neuen benutzerzentrierten Entwicklungsprozess moderne Interaktionskonzept sinnvoll entwickelt werden können

Assisting Navigation and Object Selection with Vibrotactile Cues

Our lives have been drastically altered by information technology in the last decades, leading to evolutionary mismatches between human traits and the modern environment. One particular mismatch occurs when visually demanding information technology overloads the perceptual, cognitive or motor capabilities of the human nervous system. This information overload could be partly alleviated by complementing visual interaction with haptics. The primary aim of this thesis was to investigate how to assist movement control with vibrotactile cues. Vibrotactile cues refer to technologymediated vibrotactile signals that notify users of perceptual events, propose users to make decisions, and give users feedback from actions. To explore vibrotactile cues, we carried out five experiments in two contexts of movement control: navigation and object selection. The goal was to find ways to reduce information load in these tasks, thus helping users to accomplish the tasks more effectively. We employed measurements such as reaction times, error rates, and task completion times. We also used subjective rating scales, short interviews, and free-form participant comments to assess the vibrotactile assisted interactive systems. The findings of this thesis can be summarized as follows. First, if the context of movement control allows the use of both feedback and feedforward cues, feedback cues are a reasonable first option. Second, when using vibrotactile feedforward cues, using low-level abstractions and supporting the interaction with other modalities can keep the information load as low as possible. Third, the temple area is a feasible actuation location for vibrotactile cues in movement control, including navigation cues and object selection cues with head turns. However, the usability of the area depends on contextual factors such as spatial congruency, the actuation device, and the pace of the interaction task

Designing multi-sensory displays for abstract data

The rapid increase in available information has lead to many attempts to automatically locate patterns in large, abstract, multi-attributed information spaces. These techniques are often called data mining and have met with varying degrees of success. An alternative approach to automatic pattern detection is to keep the user in the exploration loop by developing displays for perceptual data mining. This approach allows a domain expert to search the data for useful relationships and can be effective when automated rules are hard to define. However, designing models of the abstract data and defining appropriate displays are critical tasks in building a useful system. Designing displays of abstract data is especially difficult when multi-sensory interaction is considered. New technology, such as Virtual Environments, enables such multi-sensory interaction. For example, interfaces can be designed that immerse the user in a 3D space and provide visual, auditory and haptic (tactile) feedback. It has been a goal of Virtual Environments to use multi-sensory interaction in an attempt to increase the human-to-computer bandwidth. This approach may assist the user to understand large information spaces and find patterns in them. However, while the motivation is simple enough, actually designing appropriate mappings between the abstract information and the human sensory channels is quite difficult. Designing intuitive multi-sensory displays of abstract data is complex and needs to carefully consider human perceptual capabilities, yet we interact with the real world everyday in a multi-sensory way. Metaphors can describe mappings between the natural world and an abstract information space. This thesis develops a division of the multi-sensory design space called the MS-Taxonomy. The MS-Taxonomy provides a concept map of the design space based on temporal, spatial and direct metaphors. The detailed concepts within the taxonomy allow for discussion of low level design issues. Furthermore the concepts abstract to higher levels, allowing general design issues to be compared and discussed across the different senses. The MS-Taxonomy provides a categorisation of multi-sensory design options. However, to design effective multi-sensory displays requires more than a thorough understanding of design options. It is also useful to have guidelines to follow, and a process to describe the design steps. This thesis uses the structure of the MS-Taxonomy to develop the MS-Guidelines and the MS-Process. The MS-Guidelines capture design recommendations and the problems associated with different design choices. The MS-Process integrates the MS-Guidelines into a methodology for developing and evaluating multi-sensory displays. A detailed case study is used to validate the MS-Taxonomy, the MS-Guidelines and the MS-Process. The case study explores the design of multi-sensory displays within a domain where users wish to explore abstract data for patterns. This area is called Technical Analysis and involves the interpretation of patterns in stock market data. Following the MS-Process and using the MS-Guidelines some new multi-sensory displays are designed for pattern detection in stock market data. The outcome from the case study includes some novel haptic-visual and auditory-visual designs that are prototyped and evaluated