Ubiquitous Computing : Design , Implementation , and Usability

Product or company names used in this set are for identification purposes only. Inclusion of the names of the products or companies does not indicate a claim of ownership by IGI Global of the trademark or registered trademark. Summary: "This book highlights usability theories, techniques, tools and best practices in these environments. It shows usable and useful systems are able to be achieved in ways that will improve usability to enhance user experiences. Research on the usability issues for young children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly is presented, with techniques for the mobile, ubiquitous, and virtual environments"-Provided by publisher. All work contributed to this book set is original material. The views expressed in this book are those of the authors, but not necessarily of the publisher. If a library purchased a print copy of this publication, please go to http://www.igi-global.com/agreement for information on activating the library's complimentary electronic access to this publication. AbSTRAcT People can use computationally-enhanced furniture to interact with distant friends and places without cumbersome menus or widgets. We describe computing embedded in a pair of tables and a chair that enables people to experience remote events in two ways: The TeleTables are ambient tabletop displays that connect two places by projecting shadows cast on one surface to the other. The Window Seat rocking chair through its motion controls a remote camera tied to a live video feed. Both explore using the physical space of a room and its furniture to create " bilocative " interfaces.