The Tangible Interfaces at Home (TIH) project involves the development
and integration of computationally enhanced interactive devices and smart
environments. Due to the convergence of several technologies, the
computer will no longer be a separate appliance, but will be built into the
home. This thesis explores the implication of this convergence, which can
free individuals from a host of ordinary activities and leave them with more
spare time. Areas such as safety, entertainment, energy conservation, and
communication/information benefit from this integration. An important
aspect of the emerging technology is the use of alternative (non-keyboard)
input devices and the use of alternative (not monitor) output devices –
collectively called ‘Tangible Interfaces at Home’ in this thesis. The TIH
components constitute a set of experimental configurations exploring the
potentials of this new technology. They include “Window Seat”, “Interactive
Twister Game Board”, “Energy Conservation Tutor”, “eLight” and “eFrame.”
Each is described.
The Window Seat is a computationally augmented rocking chair that
operates as an interface to control the pan and tilt motion of a web camera
in a virtual or remote location. The Window Seat extends the safety by, for
example, enabling a parent to monitor her child from a different room. The
Interactive Twister Game Board is a computationally augmented interactive
game board that encourages collaborative interaction and entertainment
using sound, light and images. Energy Conservation Tutor is an ambient
display designed to promote awareness of energy consumption levels in the
home. Ambient displays can also communicate information about
occupants and their surroundings. eLight senses and responds to the
presence of the house occupants to provide light and conserve energy.
eFrame is a large information display designed for a quick overview of
information. This ordinary wall frame is equipped with buttons permitting
selection of preset information channels and is positioned in a common area
of the house to promote the sharing of family communication and
information. eFrame provides the user with a quick glance at digital
information.