Multimodal 'Eyes-Free' interaction techniques for mobile devices

Mobile and wearable computers present input/output prob-lems due to limited screen space and interaction techniques. When mobile, users typically focus their visual attention on navigating their environment - making visually demanding interface designs hard to operate. This paper presents two multimodal interaction techniques designed to overcome these problems and allow truly mobile, 'eyes-free' device use. The first is a 3D audio radial pie menu that uses head gestures for selecting items. An evaluation of a range of different audio designs showed that egocentric sounds re-duced task completion time, perceived annoyance, and al-lowed users to walk closer to their preferred walking speed. The second is a sonically enhanced 2D gesture recognition system for use on a belt-mounted PDA. An evaluation of the system with and without audio feedback showed users' ges-tures were more accurate when dynamically guided by au-dio-feedback. These novel interaction techniques demon-strate effective alternatives to visual-centric interface de-signs on mobile devices.

Emerging perspectives on the design, use, and evaluation of mobile and handheld devices

Human-computer interaction is a growing field of study in which researchers and professionals aim to understand and evaluate the impact of new technologies on human behavior. With the integration of smart phones, tablets, and other portable devices into everyday life, there is a greater need to understand the influence of such technology on the human experience. Emerging Perspectives on the Design, Use, and Evaluation of Mobile and Handheld Devices is an authoritative reference source consisting of the latest scholarly research and theories from international experts and professionals on the topic of human-computer interaction with mobile devices. Featuring a comprehensive collection of chapters on critical topics in this dynamic field, this publication is an essential reference source for researchers, educators, students, and practitioners interested in the use of mobile and handheld devices and their impact on individuals and society as a whole. This publication features timely, research-based chapters pertaining to topics in the design and evaluation of smart devices including, but not limited to, app stores, category-based interfaces, gamified mobility applications, mobile interaction, mobile learning, pervasive multimodal applications, smartphone interaction, and social media use.

Participatory design with older adults for healthcare apps

The global population of people aged 60 years and older is growing rapidly [1]. Ongoing advances in mobile technologies have the potential to improve independence and quality of life of older adults by supporting the delivery of personalised and ubiquitous healthcare solutions. Suggested healthcare reforms reflect the need for a future model of healthcare delivery wherein older adults take more responsibility for their own healthcare in their own homes in an attempt to moderate healthcare costs without impairing healthcare quality. For such a paradigm shift to be realised, the supporting technology must address the needs of older patients efficiently and effectively to ensure technology acceptance and use. We argue this is not possible without employing participatory approaches for the informed and effective design and development of such technologies and outline recommendations for engaging in participatory design with older adults with impairments based on practical experience.

High accuracy mobile robot positioning using an external large volume metrology instrument

A method of accurately controlling the position of a mobile robot using an external Large Volume Metrology (LVM) instrument is presented in this paper. Utilizing a LVM instrument such as the laser tracker in mobile robot navigation, many of the most difficult problems in mobile robot navigation can be simplified or avoided. Using the real- Time position information from the laser tracker, a very simple navigation algorithm, and a low cost robot, 5mm repeatability was achieved over a volume of 30m radius. A surface digitization scan of a wind turbine blade section was also demonstrated, illustrating possible applications of the method for manufacturing processes. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.