Saturday, March 5, 2011

Paper Reading #14: Combining Multiple Depth Cameras and Projectors for Interactions On, Above, and Between Surfaces

Comments
Alyssa Nabors
Stephen Morrow
Reference
Andrew D. Wilson, and Hrvoje Benko
Combining Multiple Depth Cameras and Projectors for Interactions On, Above, and Between Surfaces
User Interface Software and Technology

Summary
This paper discusses the implementation details of an interactive room with a wide array of different interactions. LightSpace, as the authors call it, is a collection of depth cameras and projectors that provide the users new for of interactions on several atypical displays. While other studies have focused on interactions on specific display surfaces, LightSpace provides an ubiquitous computing room capable of projecting virtual objects on most surfaces (desktops, walls, etc). This type of technology is also able to engage the users in the interactive process by allowing them to hold virtual objects in their hands while interacting with them. For example, the authors make repeated mention of the fact that the user may transfer a virtual object (projection) from his/her desk and place it on the wall simply by touching both surfaces. This generates the idea that the object is being conducted through the user's body. It is also possible to "carry" the object from one location to another.
Besides incorporating the notion of holding objects on the hand, users can also use projected interactive menus on their hand; allowing them to add yet another interactive dimension to the smart room. But the grace of LightSpace is the fact that it requires few cameras and projectors, thus allowing it to blend better than other similar projects

Discussion
I didn't like the paper very much, but that's just my personal preference. I recognize that it is a starting point towards a broader goal, but I think its not worth the investing since it adds little to our current technological arsenal. However, this class is about HCI, therefore the project is important in the sense that it teaches us how users respond to this type of environment

2 comments:

  1. Its not that the paper isn't overly HCI related its the idea that this is going to be something that will potentially used a lot in the future. Interactive computing will likely be a part of the smart home and this is as you said a good start to doing this.

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  2. I think I disagree with you on this one. This project holds huge potential in that this type of manipulation is naturally intuitive for humans. This will definitely be the future.

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