Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Campus Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Computer Science
Advisor 1
Scott A. Kuhl
Advisor 2
Keith Vertanen
Committee Member 1
Robert Pastel
Committee Member 2
Elizabeth Veinott
Abstract
As virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies continue to evolve, the demand for more natural and integrated input systems has become increasingly evident. Traditional devices such as keyboards, mice, and touchscreens are often unsuitable for immersive environments due to their reliance on bulky physical hardware and constrained interaction spaces. This work presents an acoustic-based input system that enables ordinary surfaces to function as interactive interfaces by analyzing the propagation of sound generated by finger taps. The system employs sound source localization (SSL) with time difference of arrival (TDoA) algorithms to accurately detect and localize taps on a flat surface. To ensure practical applicability, the system is also designed with a focus on real-time processing and robustness to ambient noise. By addressing key challenges in signal processing and localization accuracy, this work demonstrates a cost-effective and flexible alternative to conventional input methods. The proposed approach has the potential to significantly enhance user interaction in AR/VR environments, offering an adaptable solution for future applications.
Recommended Citation
Ding, Fan, "Sensing Tap Location Using an Array of Acoustic Sensors", Campus Access Dissertation, Michigan Technological University, 2025.