A Reconfigurable Ferromagnetic Input Device

Authors:
Jonathan Hook*, Stuart Taylor, Alex Butler, Nicolas Villar, Shahram Izadi
(Microsoft Research Cambridge, *School of Computing Science)

Summary:
A reconfigurable ferromagnetic input device can be thought of as the parent class of some familiar input devices (such as a trackball mouse or a multitouch surface). Being ferrous means that the input device contains iron, and therefore the authors of this paper concern themselves with ferrofluid bladders (or liquid iron) and various iron solids. Ferrous objects can be placed on the sensing surface and used to create unique and application-specific input devices by monitoring changes in the magnetic flux above said surface.

Magnetic Field Disturbance

Although a lot of work has been done on inputs, this idea is unique in that it allows for customized input devices, and for the detection of deformations in ferrous objects. The device combines an analogue sensing boards with a digital interface board. The sensing board is made up of sets of 16 sensor coils, while the digital interface is composed of an analogue-to-digital converter with a USB output.

Two different application scenarios were also discussed by the authors. Their first application concerned virtual sculpting, wherein deformations made in a ferrofluid bladder are translated to molding clay (their example image follows). Secondly, the authors looked at using their input device as a synthesizer. Various ferromagnetic objects are used to simulate the necessary actions to obtain sounds from musical instruments (their examples included striking a piano key and playing the violin). This scenario demonstrates the breadth of application for such an input device, which is what the authors wish future users to grasp. They feel that their device is generic enough to have novel application.

Discussion:
I find this input device to be groundbreaking. Researchers tend to focus on a certain type of input and on designing tools and applications that use it, while here we have an input device that can itself be customized to meet demands and fill niches. My issue with this paper was that they didn't go into more detail on their application scenarios! I would have enjoyed seeing just how the applications worked and how user-friendly this input device really is. I see ferromagnetic input devices being used for 3D mapping and editing, and space navigation. Imagine being able to fly a plane with full 3D control by hovering a ferrous object above the sensing board. To me, the applications only seem limited by the exposure of such novel input devices.