Vibration Based Tangible Tokens for Intuitive Pairing Among Smart Devices

Donghan Park, Hyunseung Choo

Abstract: The usage of smart devices has significantly increased, and because of that the number of devices per person has been substantially increasing than a few years ago. In order to achieve the full potential of these devices, it is necessary to synchronize the data between them. However, paring and synchronization of these devices are difficult, which require a substantial amount of user experience. Recently, an interactive research, such as tangible user interface (TUI) has opened new avenues for more expressive and natural ways of user interaction with the system and devices. Based on TUI concepts, we proposed a novel method for pairing and synchronization among multiple devices using vibrating tangible objects. Our tangible tokens enable a new input modality for mobile application using vibration frequencies. Moreover, it also enhances the tactile feedback and user cognition. The pairing between the two devices is activated, when the devices sense and detect the vibration frequency of a token that was placed on their screens. For pairing, the devices use frequency information as authentication key. The proposed technique easily allows users to pair with the target device without knowing the target device information. In summary, the configuration of our proposed method also supports a range of novel interaction scenarios based on the physical object interface and its vibration frequencies. The physical feedback supports reliable and expressive tangible interactions with devices. Our experimental results advocate the purposefulness of our proposed method towards easy synchronization and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system.