From Table–System to Tabletop: Integrating Technology into Interactive Surfaces

Abstract

Teamwork for generating new ideas is typically done on vertical or horizontal interaction spaces in order to capture volatile ideas by generating digital content that can be used during ongoing work. While many products are available for vertical interaction spaces, tabletop interaction is still subject to ongoing research and development. The following article gives a classification of existing tabletop systems according to the type of interaction, the means of tracking and identification, and the method of displaying images. Then, the challenges faced by researchers and the motivations behind their endeavours are discussed. We describe the evolution of this technology by citing important projects and their significance in the overall development of interactive tabletop surfaces. Finally, we give an outlook on future trends in this research field.

Design‐based research on the use of a tangible user interface for geometry teaching in an inclusive classroom

“…The vertical interaction applies the whiteboard metaphor through the use of a single user interface and with one person working at a time using a single interaction device (keyboard and mouse). Horizontal interactive spaces such as the desktop for several users working around the desk using multiple user interaction devices support collaborative learning (Kunz & Fjeld, ). Learning geometry with a TUI is intended for both individual and collaborative learning (Resta & Laferrière, ).…”

“…A desk is a natural school environment for learning, collaboration and problem solving, so desktop systems enable the seamless introduction of a computer in the classroom. TUIs facilitate collaborative learning because they have horizontal interaction spaces that allow computer use to gather around the interactive table (Kunz & Fjeld, ).This paper reports on use of a computer augmented with a tangible desktop as an input device to utilize tangible objects to mimic paper‐based procedures. TUIs present a natural fusion of physical and digital worlds exploring advantages of natural interfaces that are intuitive and easy to learn (Shaer & Jacob, ).…”

User Model for Predictive Calibration Control on Interactive Screens

“…Moreover, large digital whiteboards [4] and tablets are already widely spread in distributed collaborative environments of development and research teams. They allow multiple users to interact on the same digital content at a time [1] [5].…”

“…For example, interactive surfaces allow integrating well-known real objects into the communication between digital and real world, such as pens, rulers and erasers [15] [16] (e.g. SMARTBoard 1 ). To assure a high quality interaction, a close coupling between the touch-sensitive tracking device (input) and a display device (output) is essential.…”

Interactive Tables for Social Experiences at Home

“…In general, the idea of digitally enhanced or interactive tables has been discussed in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) for more than 20 years now [4,27]. What makes a table interactive is either technology that digitally augments the tabletop itself, for example, through interactive projections (e.g., [11]) or touch-sensitive displays (e.g., The InteracTable, [39]) or a more tangible approach that relies on objects and interaction patterns known from nondigital interactions (e.g., The ReacTable, [23]).…”