Xwand: UI for Intelligent Spaces

Comments

Franck

Manoj

Summary

The authors created the XWand wireless sensor package. It "enables styles of natural interaction with intelligent environments." If the user wants to control a device, they just point and perform simple gestures. THe system would rely on intelligence of the environment to determine the user's intention.

The device itself has the following

• 2-axis MEMS accelerometer
• 3-axis magnetoresistive permalloy magnetometer
• 1-axis piezoelectric gyroscope
• FM transceiver
• flash-programmable microcontroller
• Infra-red LED
• green and red visible LED
• pushbutton
• 4 AAA batteries

In the user study, pointing accuracy increased when audio feedback was added. From the study, users are comfortable with good tracking, but if there isn't good tracking, audio feedback would help.

Analysis

I don't know much about the hardware aspect of the device. However, it does seem intuitive. We like to point and control objects.