Dial-Based Game Interface with Multi-modal Feedback

Abstract

This paper introduces a dial-based haptic interface for a brickout game. Conventionally brickout games are played through a mouse or a keyboard. However, these input devices cannot provide sufficient intuitive interface to move the game paddle or provide multi-modal feedback for the user. We developed a haptic game device that gives the user haptic feedback during the game as well as visual and sound feedback. The user can move the position of the paddle by spinning the dial knob and feels various multi-modal effects according to the game context. Basic haptic effects include detent, vibration, friction and barrier. We can generate any combinations of these effects by adjusting the amount, frequency, and direction of torque along the rotational path. The result of a user-study showed that the proposed haptic dial interface made a simple brickout game more fun and more interesting. Additionally, the users were able to focus on the game more easily than when they played using a mouse.