Keywords:

We present the Lumitouch system consisting of a pair of
interactive picture frames. When one user touches her
picture frame, the other picture frame lights up. This touch
is translated to light over an Internet connection. We
introduce a semi-ambient display that can transition
seamlessly from periphery to foreground in addition to
communicating emotional content. In addition to
enhancing the communication between loved ones, people
can use LumiTouch to develop a personal emotional
language.
Based upon prior work on telepresence and tangible
interfaces, LumiTouch explores emotional communication
in tangible form. This paper describes the components,
interactions, implementation and design approach of the
LumiTouch system.