With recent advances in flexible displays, computer displays are no longer restricted to flat, rigid form factors. In this paper, we propose that the physical form of a flexible display, depending on the way it is held or worn, can help shape its current functionality. We propose Snaplet, a wearable flexible E Ink display augmented with sensors that allow the shape of the display to be detected. Snaplet is a paper computer in the form of a bracelet. When in a convex shape on the wrist, Snaplet functions as a watch and media player. When held flat in the hand it is a PDA with notepad functionality. When held in a concave shape Snaplet functions as a phone. Calls are dropped by returning its shape to a flat or convex shape.

People

Aneesh P Tarun

Byron Lahey

Winslow Burleson

Roel Vertegaal

Publications

demo

Snaplet: Using Body Shape to Inform Function in Mobile Flexible Display Devices

Aneesh P Tarun, Byron Lahey, Audrey Girouard, Winslow Burleson, Roel Vertegaal

CHI EA: ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Extended Abstracts, 2011