HuddleLamp

Abstract

We present HuddleLamp, a desk lamp with an integrated RGB-D camera that precisely tracks the movements and positions of mobile displays and hands on a table. This enables a new breed of spatially-aware multi-user and multi-device applications for around-the-table collaboration without an interactive tabletop. At any time, users can add or remove displays and reconfigure them in space in an adhoc manner without the need of installing any software or attaching markers. Additionally, hands are tracked to detect interactions above and between displays, enabling fluent cross-device interactions. We contribute a novel hybrid sensing approach that uses RGB and depth data to increase tracking quality and a technical evaluation of its capabilities and limitations. For enabling installation-free ad-hoc collaboration, we also introduce a web-based architecture and JavaScript API for future HuddleLamp applications. Finally, we demonstrate the resulting design space using five examples of cross-device interaction techniques.

Studying the benefits and challenges of spatial distribution and physical affordances in a multi-device workspace

“…The concept of spatial distribution has recently been taken further by using digital devices that are combined to enable crossdevice interactions [28,29]. For example Rädle et al [28] presented HuddleLamp, a desk lamp with an included camera, that allows for seamless tracking of positions of mobile devices on a desk as well as hands working on them.…”

“…For example Rädle et al [28] presented HuddleLamp, a desk lamp with an included camera, that allows for seamless tracking of positions of mobile devices on a desk as well as hands working on them. Results of an evaluation showed that participants are capable of working on multiple surfaces and prefer spatially-aware gestures to manage information transfer and device linkage [29].…”

“…On the practical side, research into cross-device interaction has been done to raise mutual awareness of devices, either via additional hardware augmentation (e.g. [22,23,28]) or based on software using built-in resources (e.g. [11,20,31]).…”

Designing Ad-Hoc Cross Device Collaborations For Small Groups

“…Previous research explored the spatial relationships of devices (e.g. [2,8,15]), cross device interactions which support changing numbers of devices (e.g. [4,8]), the use of personal devices to bring in information (e.g.…”

“…[2,8,15]), cross device interactions which support changing numbers of devices (e.g. [4,8]), the use of personal devices to bring in information (e.g. [12]), as well as body worn devices in concert with wall displays (e.g.…”