A computer user interface using a manipulatory grammar

摘要

A method for inputting information to a device connected to a deformable piece includes the steps of manipulating the deformable piece to provide a first morpheme input to the device. The first morpheme input normally triggers a first default action by the device, such as controlling a display, modifying a data structure, or communicating with another electronic device. When a user asynchronously manipulates the deformable piece to provide a second morpheme input to the device, the second morpheme input converts the normally triggered first default action to a second action generally not equivalent to the first default action. This mode of interaction allows formation of morphemic sentences to control a graspable device. The method is implemented by a device (10) supporting a manipulatable user interface, the device comprising: a feedback module (33) for presenting information related to a data structure, a processor (24) for controlling the feedback module (33) and the data structure, and a deformable piece (20) including multiple subregions. The deformable piece is attached in a vicinity to the feedback module (33), with the deformable piece contacting at least one sensor (22) that monitors positional changes within multiple subregions of the deformable piece (20). The at least one sensor (22) is connected to the processor (24).