Space Top - See-through Desktop Environment

SpaceTop is a technological and design solution to fuse 2D and spatial 3D interactions in a single desktop workspace. It extends the traditional desktop interface with interaction technology and visualization techniques that enable seamless transitions between 2D and 3D manipulations.

SpaceTop allows users to type, click, draw in 2D, and directly manipulate interface elements that float in the 3D space above the keyboard. It makes it possible to easily switch from one modality to another, or to simultaneously use two modalities with different hands. The creators introduced hardware and software configurations for co-locating these various interaction modalities in a unified workspace using depth cameras and a transparent display. They describe new interaction and visualization techniques that allow users to interact with 2D elements floating in 3D space and present the results from a preliminary user study that indicates the benefit of such hybrid workspaces.

 

 

 SpaceTop – integrating 2D and spatial 3D interactions in a see through desktop environment. (2011-2013)

Designed and developed by Jinha Lee

Advice and Mentoring: Alex Olwal, Hiroshi Ishii and Cati Boulanger

Assistance in Software Development: Akimitsu Hogge, John Weiss

About the designer

Jinha Lee is an interface designer, engineer, and researcher working at the boundary of the physical and digital world. He is exploring ways to employ our innate kinesthetic and sensory skills to interact with the world of data by seamlessly weaving digital information into physical space and material. Lee is currently on leave from his Ph.D. studies at MIT Media Lab and is leading a team to design TV interfaces at Samsung Electronics in lieu of his national military duty. His recent inventions include Spacetop – gesture controlled 3D desktop OS,levitating tangible interface, and a pen that penetrates into the screen. Previously, Lee has co-founded Eone-Timepieces - a tactile watch brand for everyone including the visually impaired, conducted research at SONY and Microsoft, and received his B.E. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Tokyo. His works have been presented and exhibited at most respected academic conferences and museums, and have been recognized for design and innovation excellence. In 2013, Jinha was selected as a TED Fellow and gave a TED talk.

All info and images © Jinha Lee

Space Top - See-through Desktop Environment