Current-based force input / output control for novel haptic interaction using the inFORCE shape display

Abstract

Shape changing interfaces have been become influential in the field of human-computer interaction. Their purpose is to give digital data a physical and tangible form, allowing for richer depths of interaction. However, though shape changing interfaces have generally been excellent in allowing digital data to take a tangible form, they have yet been unable to simulate many sorts of higher dimensions of the data. We propose inFORCE as an extension upon current generation shape displays. inFORCE is a force-responsive shape display with the ability for force input and output. This force-responsive capability opens up novel and exciting methods of haptic interaction. We developed a current-based force-sensing method using inFORCE without the use of force sensors. With this, we develop various applications of the inFORCE system, including object materiality emulation, multi-dimensional data representation, musical instrument simulation, and more. Lastly, we provide a framework for the flexible development of new applications using the inFORCE system.