i-ball 2: An Information Platform with a Crystal-Ball-Like Display : Interactive Systems and Applications for Mutual Telexistence

Abstract

This paper focuses on platforms for computer-human interaction and communication, with intuitive interfaces. The authors propose and examine "i-ball 2 (interactive/information ball 2)", which consists of a crystal-ball-like display and several types of input interfaces. i-ball 2's display system is unique. By using lens, the image appears as if it were in the ball. And i-ball 2 has two display systems and up to two users participate in interactive experience. Input interfaces of i-ball 2 are ball rotation, camera input and optical switches. The authors implemented 1) 3-D display, 2) amusement-oriented, 3) communication-oriented based on facial expression, and 4) simplified mutual telexistence (videoconference) applications. The authors exhibited i-ball 2 and believed that it is effective for intuitive computer-human interaction through the users' reaction.