Towards Subtle and Continuously Available Input Devices for the Modern Wearable Devices

Abstract

Wearable computing platforms, such as smartwatches and head-mounted mixed reality displays represent a promising direction for next-generation computing platforms. As computing platforms evolve from devices we carry with us to devices we wear on us, there is a renewed demand for input techniques that are decoupled from the display. These input devices demand precise tracking for high-fidelity interaction and must be continuously available without requiring extensive calibrations and subtle to support various contexts of use while enabling robust and expressive interaction. In this thesis, I focus on enabling new input devices that power more natural and robust handheld controllers and wearable devices that support subtle finger and wrist-based interactions through innovations in both the hardware design and tracking algorithm.