Paper Reading #13 - Multitoe

Comments:
Comment 1
Comment 2

References:
Title: Multitoe: High-Precision Interaction with Back-Projected Floors Based on High-Resolution Multi-Touch Input
Authors: Thomas Augsten, Konstantin Kaefer, Rene Meusel, Caroline Fetzer, Dorian Kanitz, Thomas, Stoff, Torsten Becker, Christian Holz, and Patrick Baudisch
Venue: UIST 2010, Oct 3-6, 2010

Summary:
In this paper, the authors describe their method of making a multitouch floor, show some applications made for the floor, and briefly show the next level of their project. They begin by listing a series of problems they had during the design process; they then enumerate a series of studies they performed to find a solution. Some of the problems they dealt with were control size, where to place the user's inputs, and what inputs the users liked.

Then, in the second half, they detail the components that make up the floor and the applications developed for the floor. The floor is made up of a projector, some IR LEDs, and a IR camera covered by layers of glass, acrylic, and a projection screen. The floor uses diffuse illumination to get the outline of a users shoes(a), and uses the IR camera to find the pressure exerted by the foot(c). By observing the outline of the shoes and the pressure, the cameras can identify the user based on their shoe pattern, and subdivide the foot into pressure zones that can be watched for input. They showed a fish tank game and a foot-controlled version of Unreal Tournament 2004 that could run using these processes.

Discussion:
I am thoroughly impressed by this paper. The idea they have shown here is one I had never thought of before, but is one I would like to play around with. Additionally, I am impressed with all of the thought they put into devising this concept. They got large amounts of user inputs and used it augment their design in the way Norman's books described, and they seem to have created a solid product. Also, I can't wait to see what they do with the concept they showed at the very end of the paper, although it seems to take up a significant amount of space.