Implementation and evaluation on a concealed interface using abdominal circumference

Abstract

The downsizing of computers enables users to operate computers anywhere. Generally, since a user operates his/her computer by his/her hands, computer operation is unconcealed to surrounding people. On the other hand, there are demands for hidden operation of the computer in situations such as face to face communication and during a meeting. The operation of computer in those scenes often gives a bad impression to surroundings and discommunication. Therefore, in this study, we propose an interface using a user's abdominal circumference as input. The motion of the abdomen is hard to be recognized by surroundings, and a user can move one's abdomen independently of the other body parts. We implemented a prototype of input method using the moving velocity and the absolute size of abdomen as input. Then, we evaluated the granularity, reproducibility, parallelism, resistance to environment, confidentiality and resistance to misrecognition on the proposed interface.

Supporting Subtlety with Deceptive Devices and Illusory Interactions

“…ShoeSense made use of a depth camera mounted on a shoe to sense gestures made by users [6], while ShoeSoleSense made use of pressure sensors and vibrotactile feedback to provide input and output [20]. An approach by Sumitomo et al used a strain sensor placed around the waist to allow users to input sequences by contracting their abdomen [25]. Electromyogram sensors have been used to enable users to interact hands-free, or without visibly moving [10,24].…”

Belt

“…By this, the user's tactile sense is used to generate an unobtrusive information channel. Sumitomo et al present a belt-like input interface worn around the abdomen to measure changes in its circumference as a concealed mean for user input [16].…”