Image processing considerations for simple real-time restrictometric fluid-based user interfaces

The FUNtain (TM) is a new input device in which a user inputs data by direct interaction with fluid, such as with one or more air or water jets. There is usually a (re)strictometer for each jet that measures the degree of restriction of fluid flow for that jet, such that the time-varying changes in restrictometric quantities provide an input to another process. For example, 61 restrictometers are used to provide a directacting waterpipe organ as a musical instrument in which notes are played by blocking fluid (air or water) emerging from each of the 61 holes spaced along a copper pipe that forms the housing for the musical instrument. When used with liquids, such a fluid-user interface based on the image processing of water sprays is proposed to create a new form of input device. In particular, the methodology exploits the unique optical properties of fluids that become manifest when a fountain or spray is illuminated as it would typically be for an exhibit, display, or performa...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: ICIP
• Authors: Steve Mann
• Keywords: ICIP 2005, Image Processing, Input Device, Water Jets