Using an autonomous cube for basic navigation and input

Conference paper (2003)

Authors

Kristof van Laerhoven Lancaster University
N. Villar Lancaster University
Albrecht Schmidt Lancaster University
Gerd Kortuem Lancaster University
Hans Gellersen Lancaster University
Affiliation
External organisation
Markov chain Haptic interfaces Gaussian modeling Maximum Likelihood estimation Sensor-based tactile interfaces
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Published Date

2003

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

This paper presents a low-cost and practical approach to achieve basic input using a tactile cube-shaped object, augmented with a set of sensors, processor, batteries and wireless communication. The algorithm we propose combines a finite state machine model incorporating prior knowledge about the symmetrical structure of the cube, with maximum likelihood estimation using multivariate Gaussians. The claim that the presented solution is cheap, fast and requires few resources, is demonstrated by implementation in a small-sized, microcontroller-driven hardware configuration with inexpensive sensors. We conclude with a few prototyped applications that aim at characterizing how the familiar and elementary shape of the cube allows it to be used as an interaction device.