Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
and movement of objects. Located at the edges of the table are ten 'tokens' with pic-
tures of the Bauhaus protagonists printed on them. Each of these tokens represents a
personality. Placing tokens onto the table creates links. This simple and direct inter-
active visualization has become a big attraction for visitors. The Bauhaus tokens are
physical objects that act as a user element and also as part of the virtual image on the
projection screen, mixing the two realities. The interactive exhibits allow the user to
become immersed in the network of the Bauhaus movement. The information presen-
ted changes depending on which tokens are placed on the table.
The Bauhaus tokens serve as an input medium, but it is also possible to call up more
detailed information by touching the surface of the table. When you press the yellow
points in the lower section, detailed information is displayed on the wall and on the
table, which users can scroll by touching. The interaction on the tabletop also calls up
information projected on the wall in the form of geographical data on the token selec-
ted. One medium reacts to changes in the other, so choices on the table are visualized
on the wall. As the visitor selects the Bauhaus members they create unique interactive
information visualizations.
The tabletop unit was designed as an advanced graphical interface. The unit works
by a camera taking an infrared image of the tabletop, which is then analyzed by a
computer. It is specially designed to recognize fiducial markers on the bottom of the
tokens and process multi-touch events. (A fiducial marker is an object used in the
field of view of an imaging system, which appears in the image produced for use
as a point of reference or a measure.) The system recognizes actions such as finger
movements, rotating markers and other changes. It sends these interactions to the pro-
cessing module, which interprets them. It recognizes when a new marker has been
placed on the table and generates acoustic and visual feedback via the projector and
loudspeaker. Every marker has a distinctive ID and can be assigned to each person.
The software requests relevant information from the database on the research plat-
form about each marker.
