Abstract
A tangible user interface or TUI connects physical objects and digital interfaces. It is more interactive and interesting for users than a classic graphic user interface. This article presents a descriptive overview of TUI’s real-world applications sorted into ten main application areas—teaching of traditional subjects, medicine and psychology, programming, database development, music and arts, modeling of 3D objects, modeling in architecture, literature and storytelling, adjustable TUI solutions, and commercial TUI smart toys. The paper focuses on TUI’s technical solutions and a description of technical constructions that influences the applicability of TUIs in the real world. Based on the review, the technical concept was divided into two main approaches: the sensory technical concept and technology based on a computer vision algorithm. The sensory technical concept is processed to use wireless technology, sensors, and feedback possibilities in TUI applications. The image processing approach is processed to a marker and markerless approach for object recognition, the use of cameras, and the use of computer vision platforms for TUI applications.
Highlights
Wide-Field Areas of Application.A Tangible User Interface (TUI) is an innovative way of controlling virtual space by the manipulation of physical objects, which are representing digital information
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEWThe technical concept consists of a tangible grid (9 × 7), two objects with different11 of shapes, technical concept consists of a tangible grid (9 × 7), two objects with different shapes, and and a weight (cube, representing phicons fordata twoseries, data series, and ARToolkit (see a weightcone) representing phicons for two and ARToolkit
Even though it was shown that a tangible user interface is better for users than a graphical user interface based on knowledge—the TUI is more interesting for users, more realistic, offers feedback, and a better understanding of abstract concepts in the learning process
Summary
A Tangible User Interface (TUI) is an innovative way of controlling virtual space by the manipulation of physical objects, which are representing digital information. This approach shows a big advantage against a graphical user interface (GUI). A GUI allows the user to work on the computer using a mouse, keyboard, or any special kind of pointing device. It usually only deals with one device, and the projection of this device in the virtual space is only a pointer. A TUI allows the transfer of virtual space into real-world devices. TUIs work in groups, and the representation of the TUI object in the virtual space is the same or a similar virtual object [3]
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