{"id":{"repo_id":"mit","oai_identifier":"oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/69526"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/mit/oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/69526","repository":{"repo_id":"mit","name":"MIT","base_url":"https://dspace.mit.edu/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"ZeroN : mid-Air tangible interaction enabled by computer controlled magnetic levitation","abstract":"This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was developed to enable this interaction. Through this research, I extend the tabletop tangible interaction modalities which have been confined to 2D surfaces into 3D space above the surface. Users are invited to place and move a levitated object in the mid-air space, which is analogous to placing objects on 2D surfaces. For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions. To achieve these interaction scenarios, we developed ZeroN, a new tangible interface element that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in a three dimensional space. In doing so, ZeroN serves as a tangible representation of a 3D coordinate of the virtual world through which users can see, feel, and control computation. Our technological development includes a magnetic and mechanical control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in 3D space. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. In this thesis, I present interaction techniques and applications developed in the context of this system. Finally, I discuss initial observations and implications, and outline future development and challenges.","abstract_html":"This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was developed to enable this interaction. Through this research, I extend the tabletop tangible interaction modalities which have been confined to 2D surfaces into 3D space above the surface. Users are invited to place and move a levitated object in the mid-air space, which is analogous to placing objects on 2D surfaces. For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions. To achieve these interaction scenarios, we developed ZeroN, a new tangible interface element that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in a three dimensional space. In doing so, ZeroN serves as a tangible representation of a 3D coordinate of the virtual world through which users can see, feel, and control computation. Our technological development includes a magnetic and mechanical control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in 3D space. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. In this thesis, I present interaction techniques and applications developed in the context of this system. Finally, I discuss initial observations and implications, and outline future development and challenges.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Lee, Jinha"],"institution":"Massachusetts Institute of Technology","degree_name":null,"degree_level":null,"degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":"Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.","school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":["Hiroshi Ishii."],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2011,"date_issued":"2011","date_published":"2011","updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:21:56Z","subjects":["Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences."],"languages":["eng"],"rights":["M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. 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Through this research, I extend the tabletop tangible interaction modalities which have been confined to 2D surfaces into 3D space above the surface. Users are invited to place and move a levitated object in the mid-air space, which is analogous to placing objects on 2D surfaces. For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions. To achieve these interaction scenarios, we developed ZeroN, a new tangible interface element that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in a three dimensional space. In doing so, ZeroN serves as a tangible representation of a 3D coordinate of the virtual world through which users can see, feel, and control computation. Our technological development includes a magnetic and mechanical control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in 3D space. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. In this thesis, I present interaction techniques and applications developed in the context of this system. Finally, I discuss initial observations and implications, and outline future development and challenges."]},{"key":"dc:description.degree","label":"Dc Description Degree","values":["S.M."]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["ZeroN : mid-Air tangible interaction enabled by computer controlled magnetic levitation"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor.advisor":["Hiroshi Ishii."],"dc:contributor.department":["Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences."],"dc:contributor.other":["Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. 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For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions. To achieve these interaction scenarios, we developed ZeroN, a new tangible interface element that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in a three dimensional space. In doing so, ZeroN serves as a tangible representation of a 3D coordinate of the virtual world through which users can see, feel, and control computation. Our technological development includes a magnetic and mechanical control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in 3D space. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. In this thesis, I present interaction techniques and applications developed in the context of this system. 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