Scott Brave, Hiroshi Ishii, Andrew Dahley

Abstract

Current Wstems for rerd-time distributed CSCW are largely rooted in traditionrd G~-based groupware and voice/video cotierencing methodologies k these approaches, interactions are Wted to visual and auditory mediq and shared environments are confined to the digiti world. This paper presents a new approach to enhance remote collaboration and comnmnicatio~ based on the idea of Tagible ktefices, which places a greater emphasis on touch and physictihy. The approach is grounded in a concept called Synchronized Distributed Physicrd Objects, which employs telemaniptiation technolo=q to create the illusion that distit users are interacting with shared physical objects. We describe hvo applications of this approach: PSyBench, a physical shared workspace, and inTouch, a device for haptic interpersonal communication