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Current systems for real-time distributed CSCW are largely rooted in traditional GUI-based groupware and voice/video conferencing methodologies. In these approaches, interactions are limited to visual and auditory media, and shared environments are confined to the digital world. This paper presents a new approach to enhance remotecollaboration and communication, based on the idea of Tangible Interfaces, which places a greater emphasis on touch and physicality. The approach is grounded in a concept called Synchronized Distributed Physical Objects, which employs telemanipulation technology to create the
illusion that distant users are interacting with shared physical objects. We describe two applications of this approach: PSyBench, a physical shared workspace, and inTouch, a device for haptic interpersonal communication.
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This article describes the design of the inTouch device; a pair of devices that consist of three rollers that can be operated by remote users.
1) First a mechanical mock-up has been builded to evaluate the system. Some persons remarked that the lack of ability to pass concrete information made the medium uninteresting, while others applauded the subtle and abstract nature of interaction.
2) Next, a standalone prototype has ben designed; two devices controleld by the same computer.
3) After succesfull tests, the final prototype has been builded, in which the devices were connected over the internet.
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See also:
BRA1997:01 - inTouch short paper presented at CHI '97
BRA1998:01 - inTouch full paper presented at CSCW '98
BRA1997:01VIDEO - High Resolution MPEG [352x240]
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BRA1998_01_-_Tangible_Interfaces.pdf