The interaction table: a new input device designed for interaction in immersive large display environments

Abstract

Large display systems such as Reality Centers or Powerwalls, allow several users to be immersed in a virtual environment while being located in the same physical space. The characteristics of such systems induce new problems and new constraints as far as it concerns the interaction. According to the lack of input devices well adapted to large displays, we are developing a new interactor: The Interaction Table. This device, composed of a movable tray fixed on a pillar, offers 6 DOFs and uses both isotonic and isometric information. The table top offers a 2D plane on which the position of a pen can be recovered. Many 2D and 3D interaction techniques can be used to accomplish the different interaction tasks (navigation, manipulation, selection, system control) dealing with different space ranges. The design of the Interaction Table makes it accurate and easy to use without any effort. Its auto-supported aspect makes it a non constraining tool, which can be shared by all co-located users. We illustrate the utility of the Interaction Table through a real application of 3D geomarketing.