Xs: Interactive Scissor Mechanisms as Portable and Customizable Shape-Changing Interfaces

Abstract

Scissor mechanisms are commonly used extension mechanisms for developing lifts, robotic grippers, and mechanical shape-changing toys. The scissor mechanism has several unique features when applied to shape-changing interfaces, namely (1) simple mechanism with 1DoF transformation, (2) expandable transformation capability for interaction design, and (3) modular and customizable linkage design. In this paper, we present Xs, a novel type of shape-changing interface based on scissor mechanisms. The architecture design of Xs is introduced to construct a range of configurations based on the concept of global and local segment modules. Our implementation introduces modular prototypes that allow rich geometric configuration and I/O customization for users/designers to construct different transforming, interactive systems. Based on the prototypes, we present a variety of applications such as a shape-changing gaming controller, scalable and adaptable sensing, and mobile attachments.