PickRing: seamless interaction through pick-up detection

Abstract

We are frequently switching between devices, and currently we have to unlock most of them. Ideally such devices should be seamlessly accessible and not require an unlock action. We introduce PickRing, a wearable sensor that allows seamless interaction with devices through predicting the intention to interact with them through the device's pick-up detection. A cross-correlation between the ring and the device's motion is used as basis for identifying the intention of device usage. In an experiment, we found that the pick-up detection using PickRing cost neither additional effort nor time when comparing it with the pure pick-up action, while it has more hedonic qualities and is rated to be more attractive than a standard smartphone technique. Thus, PickRing can reduce the overhead in using device through seamlessly activating mobile and ubiquitous computers.