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Published in: Universal Access in the Information Society 2/2018

07-07-2017 | Long Paper

Accessibility and tangible interaction in distributed workspaces based on multi-touch surfaces

Authors: Gustavo Salvador-Herranz, Jorge D. Camba, Ferran Naya, Manuel Contero

Published in: Universal Access in the Information Society | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Traditional interaction mechanisms in distributed digital spaces often fail to consider the intrinsic properties of action, perception, and communication among workgroups, which may affect access to the common resources used to mutually organize information. By developing suitable spatial geometries and natural interaction mechanisms, distributed spaces can become blended where the physical and virtual boundaries of local and remote spaces merge together to provide the illusion of a single unified space. In this paper, we discuss the importance of blended interaction in distributed spaces and the particular challenges faced when designing accessible technology. We illustrate this discussion through a new tangible interaction mechanism for collaborative spaces based on tabletop system technology implemented with optical frames. Our tangible elements facilitate the exchange of digital information in distributed collaborative settings by providing a physical manifestation of common digital operations. The tangibles are designed as passive elements that do not require the use of any additional hardware or external power while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

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Metadata
Title
Accessibility and tangible interaction in distributed workspaces based on multi-touch surfaces
Authors
Gustavo Salvador-Herranz
Jorge D. Camba
Ferran Naya
Manuel Contero
Publication date
07-07-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Universal Access in the Information Society / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1615-5289
Electronic ISSN: 1615-5297
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-017-0563-7

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