Hover Widgets: Using the Tracking State to Extend the Capabilities of Pen-Operated Devices
Tovi Grossman, Ken Hinckley, Patrick Baudisch, Maneesh Agrawala, Ravin Balakrishnan
Abstract
We present Hover Widgets, a new technique for increasing the capabilities of pen-based interfaces. Hover Widgets are implemented by using the pen movements above the display surface, in the tracking state. Short gestures while hovering, followed by a pen down, access the Hover Widgets, which can be used to activate localized interface widgets. By using the tracking state movements, Hover Widgets create a new command layer which is clearly distinct from the input layer of a pen interface. In a formal experiment Hover Widgets were found to be faster than a more traditional command activation technique, and also reduced errors due to divided attention.
(a) A cursor moves through the Hover Widget tunnel. (b) The tunnel is repositioned if the cursor leaves its boundaries. (c) The Hover Widget can be activated once the cursor reaches the activation zone, shown in red.