Tangible interfaces for remote communication and collaboration

This thesis presents inTouch, a new device enabling long distance communication through touch. inTouch is based on a concept called Synchronized Distributed Physical Objects, which employs telemanipulation technology to create the illusion that distant users are interacting with a shared physical object. I discuss the design and prototype implementation of inTouch, along with control strategies for extending the physical link over an arbitrary distance. User reactions to the prototype system suggest many similarities to direct touch interactions while, at the same time, point to new possibilities for object-mediated touch communication. I also present two initial experiments that begin to explore more objective properties of the haptic communication channel provided by inTouch and develop analysis techniques for future investigations. This thesis also considers the broader implications of Synchronized Distributed Physical Objects in the design of distributed multi-user systems. Current interfaces for long distance communication and collaboration are largely rooted in GUI-based groupware and voice/video conferencing methodologies. In these approaches, interactions are limited to visual and auditory media, and shared environments are confined to the digital world. Synchronized Distributed Physical Objects presents a new method for creating distributed multi-user systems that place greater emphasis on touch and physicality. Thesis Supervisor: Hiroshi Ishii Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences