Couldn't locate anyone else's post on this article, so I commented on Jill's instead.
Summary:
Abracadabra was developed as a solution for interacting with very small mobile devices. Utilizing a multi-axis magnetometer as the primary sensor, Abracadabra takes advantage of the relatively larger space around a small mobile display by using a magnet as the input device. The field produced by the magnet (attached to a finger with velcro or other means) is large enough that the effective input area is extended to several times the size of a mobile device's screen -- this translates to fine motion control on a much smaller screen without requiring tiny, precise movements. More complex interfaces are possible this way, and may also allow users with diminished fine motor control to use such devices. Since the input device is simply a magnet, it requires no additional power or recharging.
The device reads input in two primary ways: measuring the field strength of the magnet relative to one of the sensors' axes (for cursor-like motion i.e. an eastward-weakening magnetic field indicates a motion to the right) and a binary-type "click" operation which is triggered when the magnet is dipped below the plane of the sensor, reversing the magnet's polarity. This instantaneous change in polarity registers as a "click." Early tests of other input gestures and styles such as circular "scrolling," "swipe," and rotation have produced favorable results.
Several tests were conducted to study the effectiveness of the Abracadabra system, with very good results. A group of 15 participants each navigated a pointer (using the magnet input device) over pie pieces of decreasing angular width, and were found to navigate accurately 92% of the time for angular widths of 16 degrees. Additionally, the users' targeting time decreased dramatically when using the Abracadabra system and error was reduced by half.
Discussion:
Being the (I wouldn't say proud is really accurate) owner of a Windows Mobile device with a touchscreen, I know for a fact that relying on my fat fingers to correctly type keys or select the right fields is a bit of a gamble. An accurate way to interact with a mobile screen that didn't require me to possess dexterity equal to one of the Shoe Elves is a welcome sight. The magnetic sensing technology for interface design also reminds me of the part in Minority Report where Tom Cruise dons gloves (similar to the magnet-tipped "ring" in the Abracadabra system) that allow him to manipulate the displays in front of him. Abracadabra could be scaled up to achieve something like this in the near future.
There are only two problems I immediately perceive: that a magnet-ring is just as easy to lose as a stylus, and that the likelihood of mobile displays being reduced further in size (to, say, a watch-face) is low. Abracadabra therefore wouldn't be applied fully to its intended purpose.
3 comments:
I thought the same thing when I read your summary! It seems more like a precursor to those awesome 3D hologram computer interfaces in the movies than for using your tiny iPod. If music players are getting smaller and smaller, wouldn't the screen eventually go away?
I would much rather see this added to bigger devices (laugh it up). And the Minority Report picture definitely sums up what this could be used for. The screens in Avatar had a similar functionality.
I agree. It's a cool concept, but I don't see practical mobile devices getting that small. I know they will be made and there will be people that buy them just because they are the newest and smallest thing, but with a screen that small, I don't think you can do all that much. Also I know I would loose the magnet ring.
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