ETD

• android
• around device interaction
• compass
• human-computer interaction
• magnet
• magnetic sensor
• magnetometer

Enhancing the user experience in mobile devices by taking advantage of embedded sensors has become an increasingly popular research field. In this thesis we investigate how magnetic sensors together with magnets can be exploited to create a new type of input device for current smartphones. In particular we use a small, yet varied in shape and strength, set of magnets and an Android powered smartphone. We alter the magnetic field sensed by the magnetometer by moving a magnet close to it in different ways, then we try to identify a recurring pattern and associate it with a predefined action. We created an open-source Android application to show the possible interactions on and around the device. Readings from the sensor were filtered and displayed in a number of different and more convenient ways. We conclude our work with a list of possible scenarios that could benefit from this approach.