ZeroN : mid-Air tangible interaction enabled by computer controlled magnetic levitation

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.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Lee, Jinha

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hiroshi Ishii.

• Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/69526

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/69526