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used like real paper. In this topic, we therefore focus on interactive paper solutions
that combine traditional paper with computers.
Pen-and-Paper User Interfaces (PPUI)
In this topic, we investigate the most widespread class of interactive paper solutions,
which is Pen-and-Paper User Interfaces (PPUI). A PPUI minimally consists of real
paper and a digital pen. Usually a further computing device is part of the interfaces,
such as a PC, a laptop, an interactive tabletop or a smart phone. An example is
depicted in Fig. 1.1.
What is specific about PPUIs is that paper becomes a user interface. One or
several sheets of paper contain printed user interface elements. The main interaction
device is a digital pen whose position on the paper sheet is automatically tracked.
This allows the user to enter digital data by writing and/or drawing on the paper
sheet. Moreover, the user can enter additional interactional information, for instance
issuing a command by performing a pen “click” on a virtual button which is printed
on paper. The system provides digital feedback either via the pen itself using a built-
in display, LEDs, audio or haptic feedback. Alternatively it prints an updated version
of the paper sheet(s) and/or provides feedback using nearby devices, such as smart
phones, standard computer displays or projectors.
Fig. 1.1
Example of a Pen-and-Paper User Interface
