Evolving tuis with smart objects for multi-context interaction

Stefano Baraldi, Luca Benini, Omar Cafini, Alberto Del Bimbo, Elisabetta Farella, Giulia Gelmini-Hornsby, Lea Landucci, Augusto Pieracci, Nicola Torpei

Abstract: We present our ongoing work, an application framework created to extend the concept of natural and tangible interfaces to environments composed of many interactive systems disseminated in an indoor space. In such environments users can perform solo or collaborative activities using different systems (like interactive tabletops or walls) and interacting with them through tangible smart objects provided with sensors, storage, processing and wireless communication capabilities. The smart objects become the representatives of the user navigating in the environment, and while retaining their basic affordance suggested by their shape, can assume different roles in relation to the system they approach. We investigated some application scenarios and present early observations related to the design and implementation, as well as future directions.