Thomas Augsten is currently a graduate student working on his masters in IT Systems at the University of Potsdam.
Konstantin Kaefer is currently also a student at the University of Potsdam
René Meusel is a student at the University of Potsdam.
Caroline Fetzer is a Human-Computer interaction student at the University of Potsdam
Dorian Kanitz is a student at the University of Potsdam.
Thomas Stoff is a student at the University of Potsdam.
Torsten Becker is a graduate student at Potsdam and also holds a B.S. in IT Systems engineering.
Christian Holz is a PhD student at Potsdam and has a research interest in Human-Computer Interaction.
Patrick Baudisch is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Potsdam and the head of the Human-Computer Interaction research department.
This paper was presented at UIST 2010
Summary
Hypothesis
The researchers set out to prove that meaningful interaction through floor based input and output can occur.
Methods
The actual floor system that they constructed was called a FTIR (frustrated total internal reflection) device. This was created to allow for images to be projected onto the floor and to be able to handle touch input from a user's shoes.
In order to figure out the most natural ways to design the system, the researchers carried out multiple experiments to see how people would naturally interact with floor user interface objects.
The first was an experiment to see "how not to activate a button". Participants were asked to activate a fake button on the floor and to not activate another button. This test allowed the researchers to see what the most preferred way to interact with floor buttons is.
Another experiment was carried out by having participants step on the FTIR and to choose what buttons on the floor should be highlighted. This allowed the researchers to discover the conceptual model behind a foot press created by the user.
Then to facilitate precise input, participants were asked to choose their preferred "hotspot" which allowed them to select precise objects.
Various other features were also added to the FTIR including being able to identify users based on shoe prints. They also were able to do more complex recognition such as identifying a walking motion.
Results
In many of the tests they performed, participants often had their own way of doing things. In the how not to activate a button test, most preferred to activate the button by tapping and walking over the button to not activate. However, there were many other actions that were used.
In a similar fashion, the hotspot test had many users use unique hotspots. Eventually the designers decided to just allow users to set their own hotspot.
Researchers also successfully implemented the various other previously discussed features such as tapping vs. walking and user identification based on analysis of the sole processing.
Discussion
This paper was organized as more of a documentation of the process to create a system that recognizes foot input. This organization made the paper more interesting and enjoyable in my opinion.
The important distinction that needs to be made with this interesting piece of technology is the fact that foot based touch screens are more of a novel technology that can fit into a proper niche.
It's not meant to be a substitute for a computer or iPhone, for example.
I can easily see this type of technology employed in future homes or offices or even restaurants. The smart home could recognize it's owner by their footprint and their steps and complete tasks based on the users location. For example, when you get home from work in the afternoon, your house knows that you're headed to the kitchen by your walking and turns on the light. Or if you're hosting a party, a foot gesture could bring up a menu which would allow you to put on new music.
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