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.