TAI-CHI: Tangible acoustic interfaces for computer-human interaction

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0577

Key words (English)

Tangible interface; acoustic transducer; acoustic image; acoustics; interface technology; signal processing

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 507822

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.2 Communications technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Association vaudoise pour la promotion des innovations et des technologies
AIT-CeTT

Abstract (English)

A common problem with existing input tangible interfaces (keypads, mice and touch screens) is their inflexibility in restricting the mobility of users, constraining them to be in certain locations during interaction with the computer. Lack of robustness is another disadvantage, limiting the areas of application.
This project explores how physical. objects, augmented surfaces and space can be transformed into tangible-acoustic embodiments of natural seamless unrestricted interfaces. The ultimate goal is to design tangible interfaces that employ physical objects and space as media to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds and to make information accessible through touchable objects as well as ambient media.
The method to be developed is based on the principle that interacting with a physical object modifies its acoustic pattern. By visualising and characterising such acoustic patterns, it will be possible to transform almost any object into an interactive interface, opening up new modes of computer-user interaction for responsive environments. Because of their numerous advantages over other methods, including the spatial freedom they provide to the user, the robustness with which they can be constructed and the ease of accommodating multiple users simultaneously, acoustic-based interfaces will become a major sensing paradigm in the future, implying enormous potential for the whole computer and information industry. New applications will include wall-size touch panels, three-dimensional interfaces, immersive VR sensors, and robust interactive screens for harsh industrial environments.
The Tai-Chi project will target the following specific technology areas: research into acoustic transmission behaviours in various media, development of novel acoustic sensors for various application scenarios, development of acoustic signal processing algorithms and establishment of intelligent tangible interfaces.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0577