Visually-tracked Flashlights as Interaction Devices

: We describe a technique for visually tracking flashlights so that they can be used as fun, cheap, intuitive and safe interaction devices with a wide range of surfaces. Our implementation includes a run-time system for tracking flashlight beams as they appear in a video image and an interface for dynamically configuring targets on the surface and associating them with sound files. We present two early applications of this approach: exploring a series of underground caves at a museum and interactive posters and wall displays. Early experience raises issues of dealing with wobbly flashlights, setting and conveying the extent of tracking range, and making users aware of system state. We emphasise that the defining feature of flashlights is that they throw a pool of light and suggest various ways in which this can be exploited to improve the flexibility of this approach.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: INTERACT
• Authors: Ahmed Ghali, Steve Benford, Sahar Bayoumi, Jonathan Green, Tony P. Pridmore
• Keywords: Flashlights, INTERACT 2003, INTERACT 2007, Safe Interaction Devices, Wobbly Flashlights