One-Dimensional Force Feedback Slider: Digital Platform

Paper in proceeding, 2007

This paper examines the use of motorized physical sliders with position and force as input and output parameters for tangible computer interaction. We have designed a device with the purpose of controlling, in real time, a motor which is integrated into a slider system with accuracy and latency values sufficient for productive interaction. This was accomplished with a microcontroller that handles the I2C protocol for communication with a master device that centralizes the sliders’ information. The system is modular, using the configuration of one mainboard and I2C protocol to communicate with the sliders. The mainboard interacts with the computer through a USB connection. The mainboard also controls the sliders, each sitting on a slider board. This paper also presents the designs and realizations of the mainboard and slider board hardware components. Finally, the paper envisions future applications of force feedback sliders such as mapping of GUI sliders onto physical sliders, polling of user impressions based on non-verbal selections cues, and remote controls with haptic feedback.