In this paper we discuss the development of `Z-Tiles' in conjunction with a sister project, `Self-Organising Sensors' (SOS). Combined, these projects will result in a pressure sensitive, self-organising, interactive sensor design that can be embedded into appropriate environments. The shared objective of these projects is to further our understanding of movement and gesture. In this paper, we discuss the design and behaviour of a force sensing material, the physical design of the sensor encasement and the software that allows the sensors to communicate and self-organise. The issues of modularity and portability are also discussed in this paper, while consideration has also been given to the conceptualisation and development of a variety of prototypes; ranging from entertainment to potential therapeutic applications. Essentially, the Z-tiles sensor can be used in control surfaces where force, weight distribution or motion is used as control parameters.

This paper describes a novel interactive floor application suited for hearing impaired children with a cochlear implant (CI). Existing linguistic learning materials for CI children are restricted to analogue books and CD ROM application in which bodily interaction is rather limited. The paper highlights the relation between language and body movement and proposes interactive floor technology as a foundation for CI children’s linguistic learning. The Stepstone application described in this paper combines body movement and group collaboration as a mean for practicing and enhancing speech and language skills for CI children in a school environment. Two Stepstone games for CI children are presented: the Stepstone Ling Game helping the children to calibrate their cochlear implants, and the Stepstone Language Game which is a framework for language concept training.

Abstract. This paper introduces a novel kinesthetic interaction technique for interactive floors. The interaction techniques utilize vision-based limb tracking on an interactive floor – a 12 m 2 glass surface with bottom projection. The kinesthetic interaction technique has been developed for an interactive floor implemented in a school square. The paper discusses the kinesthetic interaction technique and its potentials in the domain of learning applications: Kinesthetic interaction supports body-kinesthetic learning as argued in the learning literature. Kinesthetic interaction is fun and motivating thus encourages children to explore and learn. Kinesthetic interaction on large display surfaces supports collaborative, co-located play and learning through communication and negotiation among the participants. Finally, the paper discusses prospects and challenges in development of kinesthetic interaction for interactive floors. 1.

Abstract. This paper approaches heterogeneity and heterogeneous technology as assets, rather than limitations, in the development of computer supported cooperative work. We demonstrate how heterogeneous technologies sustain teachers ’ and students’ school work by presenting four different prototypes (the HyConExplorer, the eCell, the iGameFloor and the eBag) that complement one another because they offer different functionalities and are, at the same time, designed with the wholeness of school activities, particularly group-based ones, in mind. Thus, they provide teachers and students with a broad range of IT support to aid them in and outside of the classroom. We take the school domain as our point of departure, but argue that the focus on heterogeneous technologies is applicable for the general area of CSCW.

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In this paper we discuss the possibility of augmenting existing musical performance by using a novel sensing device termed `PegLeg'. This device interprets the movements and motions of a musician during play by allowing the musician to manipulate a sensor in three dimensions. A force sensitive surface allows us to detect, interpret and interface the subtle but integral element of physical "effort" in music playing. This device is designed to extend the musicians control over any given instrument, granting an additional means of `playing' that would previously have been impossible -- granting an additional limb to extend their playing potential -- a PegLeg...

In this paper we discuss the possibility of augmenting existing musical performance by using a novel sensing device termed `PegLeg'. This device interprets the movements and motions of a musician during play by allowing the musician to manipulate a sensor in three dimensions. A force sensitive surface allows us to detect, interpret and interface the subtle but integral element of physical "effort" in music playing. This device is designed to extend the musicians control over any given instrument, granting an additional means of `playing' that would previously have been impossible -- granting an additional limb to extend their playing potential -- a PegLeg...

In this paper, design scenarios made possible by the use of an interactive illuminated floor as the basis of an audiovisual environment are presented. By interfacing a network of pressure sensitive, light-emitting tiles with a 5.1 channel speaker system and requisite audio software, many avenues for collaborative expression emerge, as do heretofore unexplored modes of multiplayer music and dance gaming. By giving users light and sound cues that both guide and respond to their movement, a rich environment is created that playfully integrates the auditory, the visual, and the kinesthetic into a unified interactive experience. undertaken to push the limits of the confluence of interactive dance, music and gaming. Descriptions of these and future investigations are detailed below. QuickTime ™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.