The deformable workspace: A membrane between real and virtual space

We propose a variant of the multi-touch display technology that introduces an original way of manipulating three-dimensional data. The underlying metaphor is that of a deformable screen that acts as a boundary surface between the real and the virtual worlds. By doing so, the interface can create the illusion of continuity between the userpsilas real space and the virtual three-dimensional space. The prototype system presented here enables this by employing three key technologies: a tangible and deformable projection screen, a real-time three-dimensional sensing mechanism, and an algorithm for dynamic compensation for anamorphic projection. This paper introduces the concept of the deformable tangible workspace, and describes the required technologies for implementing it. Also, several applications developed on a prototype system are detailed and demonstrated.