Towards enhancing force-input interaction by visual-auditory feedback as an introduction of first use

Abstract

Force-input interfaces are now attracting research interest and feedback schemes that yield high accurate operation are being investigated. Extrinsic feedback can help the user to operate a device with high accuracy and/or efficiency. However, for learning force control, the effectiveness of multimodal augmented feedback has not been investigated enough. This paper focuses on foam objects for learning force control and describes an experiment conducted to verify the effectiveness of augmented visual and auditory feedback. In the experiment, participants apply pushing force (using their thumb) to a foam cube under different augmented feedback conditions: (1) visual feedback, (2) auditory feedback and (3) visual-auditory feedback. Training and retention tests are conducted. The results show that just five minutes of practice similar to playing a musical instrument can enhance force reproduction skills and make subsequent force inputs more accurate.