Surflex: a programmable surface for the design of tangible interfaces

In this paper we describe Surflex, a programmable surface for the design and visualization of physical forms. Surflex combines the physical properties of shape-memory alloy and foam to create a surface that can be electronically controlled to deform and gain new shapes. We describe implementation details, the possibilities enabled by the use of smart materials and soft mechanics in human computer interaction, as well as future applications for this technology. Keywords Smart materials, shape-memory alloy, actuated surfaces, 3D modeling, tangible media. ACM Classification Keywords H.5.2 [Information Interface]: User Interface -- Haptic I/O

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Marcelo Coelho, Hiroshi Ishii, Pattie Maes
• Keywords: ACM Classification Keywords, CHI 2008, Human Computer Interaction, Keywords Smart Materials, Shape-memory Alloy