Tangible Interfaces for Remote Collaboration and Communication

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 remote collaboration 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. Keywords Tangible Interfaces, haptic interfaces, telemanipulation, force-feedback, physical presence

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: CSCW
• Authors: Scott Brave, Hiroshi Ishii, Andrew Dahley
• Keywords: CSCW 1998, Physical Objects, Social Sciences, Tangible Interfaces, Voice/video Conferencing Methodologies