Compact and kinetic projected augmented reality interface

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-150).For quite some time, researchers and designers in the field of human computer interaction have strived to better integrate information interfaces into our physical environment. They envisioned a future where computing and interface components would be integrated into the physical environment, creating a seamless experience that uses all our senses. One possible approach to this problem employs projected augmented reality. Such systems project digital information and interfaces onto the physical world and are typically implemented using interactive projector-camera systems. This thesis work is centered on design and implementation of a new form factor for computing, a system we call LuminAR. LuminAR is a compact and kinetic projected augmented reality interface embodied in familiar everyday objects, namely a light bulb and a task light. It allows users to dynamically augment physical surfaces and objects with superimposed digital information using gestural and multi-touch interfaces. This thesis documents LuminAR's design process, hardware and software implementation and interaction techniques. The work is motivated through a set of applications that explore scenarios for interactive and kinetic projected augmented reality interfaces. It also opens the door for further explorations of kinetic interaction and promotes the adoption of projected augmented reality as a commonplace user interface modality. This thesis work was partially supported by a research grant from Intel Corporation.Supported by a research grant from Intel Corporationby Natan Linder.S.M

Ubiquitous interactive displays: magical experiences beyond the screen

Ubiquitous Interactive Displays are interfaces that extend interaction beyond traditional flat screens. This thesis presents a series of proof-of-concept systems exploring three interactive displays: the first part of this thesis explores interactive projective displays, where the use of projected light transforms and enhances physical objects in our environment. The second part of this thesis explores gestural displays, where traditional mobile devices such as our smartphones are equipped with depth sensors to enable input and output around a device. Finally, I introduce a new tactile display that imbues our physical spaces with a sense of touch in mid air without requiring the user to wear a physical device. These systems explore a future where interfaces are inherently everywhere, connecting our physical objects and spaces together through visual, gestural and tactile displays. I aim to demonstrate new technical innovations as well as compelling interactions with one ore more users and their physical environment. These new interactive displays enable novel experiences beyond flat screens that blurs the line between the physical and virtual world