Systematic pattern code design on kitchenware for operable activities in tangible user interface

Abstract

This research has developed a new operation way of using pattern codes to operate the tangible interface of kitchenware for a smart family environment. This new development allows users to control products such as stereos and light switches using different utensil operation postures. Focus group was conducted to extract elements for pattern designs to develop pattern codes. The pattern codes are required to be both recognizable by programs and to be able to communicate the suggestions of operation to users. During the evaluation stage, tests for the program recognizable rate and subjective evaluation questionnaires were both conducted in order to evaluate the possibility of implementation of our pattern codes on the tangible user interface. The test results show that the pattern codes are recognizable by the computing programs, while the subjective evaluation results show that the patterns successfully communicate the suggestions of operation and semantics to users. Finally, this research concludes that the pattern code design conforms to both the recognition of computer visuals and users. In terms of future development, the pattern codes can be extensively applied to household objects, to both operate and interact with the smart family system through the identification system, creating an innovative object recognition system.