inami laboratory: straw-like user interface

participants interacting with straw-like user interface system at international collegiate virtual reality contest

straw-like user interface (SUI) developed by inami laboratory at keio university, japan
is an interface system that allows user to virtually experience the sensations of drinking.
this simulation is based on the research data collected on the actual pressures, vibrations
and sounds produced from drinking through an ordinary straw.


collecting data research on the pressure, vibration and sound produced from drinking

the experience is accomplished by exerting pressure and vibration changes to one's mouth
through the control of valves and speakers. the valves control the opening and closing
of the solenoid motor which dictates the pressure change in the SUI system. the sound
vibration based on sample sound data is sent to speakers connected to the straw.
aside from sound and sensory feedback, users are also shown the pictures of the consumed beverage.


'conspiratio' at international collegiate virtual reality contest

this technology was presented as part of a game entitled 'conspiratio' at the
international collegiate virtual reality contest (IVRC). the interaction entailed a screen,
an image processor and the straw-like user interface. users were asked to capture animal
characters carrying various drinks. if users succeeded at the task, they experienced
the sensations of virtual drinking. however, failure to meet the task resulted in the vibration
of the motor and could be felt through the users hands holding the straw. to move the animal
character back to its original position, users simply needed to blow toward the screen.


interior of screen


SUI system



the latest work by masahiko inami, founder of inami laboratory and a professor at the
school of media design at keio university, is currently being showcased at cyber arts japan
until march 22. it is a group media-art exhibition taking place at the museum of contemporary art, tokyo.

cyber arts japan is a celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of ars electronica, the worldwide
media art festival held annually in linz, austria.