Forse fields – Force sensors for interactive environments

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the development of ‘Z-Tiles’ in conjunction with a sister project, ‘Self-Organising Sensors’ (SOS). Combined, these projects will result in a pressure sensitive, self-organising, interactive sensor design that can be embedded into appropriate environments. The shared objective of these projects is to further our understanding of movement and gesture. In this paper, we discuss the design and behaviour of a force sensing material, the physical design of the sensor encasement and the software that allows the sensors to communicate and self-organise. The issues of modularity and portability are also discussed in this paper, while consideration has also been given to the conceptualisation and development of a variety of prototypes; ranging from entertainment to potential therapeutic applications. Essentially, the Z-tiles sensor can be used in control surfaces where force, weight distribution or motion is used as control parameters.