Björn Thuresson

Using marking menus to develop command sets for computer vision based hand gesture interfaces

This paper presents the first stages of a project that studies the use of hand gestures for interaction, in an approach based on computer vision. A first prototype for exploring the use of marking menus for interaction has been built. The purpose is not menu-based interaction per se, but to study if marking menus, with practice, could support the development of autonomous command sets for gestural interaction. Some early observations are reported, mainly concerning problems with user fatigue and precision of gestures. Future work is discussed, such as introducing flow menus for reducing fatigue, and control menus for continuous control functions. The computer vision algorithms will also have to be developed further.

Private and public spaces: the use of video mediated communication in a future home environment

This video demonstration is based on scenarios of a familys everyday activities supported by video mediated communication (VMC). It was recorded in comHOME, a concept dwelling of the future. The principal issue explored in the comHOME project, and in the video, concerns various aspects of private and public spaces using VMC. The design concept is based on the integration of different comZONES (communication zones), where the resident can be seen and/or heard. The architectural space, then, in combination with information and communication technology (ICT) solutions forms an interface to the digital world. A main observation from the making of the video is that it is a very good complementary method in a complex design-process because of the focus on the user perspective.

Augmenting PBL with large public presentations: a case study in interactive graphics pedagogy

We present a case study analyzing and discussing the effects of introducing the requirement of public outreach of original student work into the project-based learning of Advanced Graphics and Interaction (AGI) at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. We propose Expo-Based Learning as Project-Based Learning augmented with the constructively aligned goal of achieving public outreach beyond the course. We promote this outreach through three challenges: 1) large public presentations; 2) multidisciplinary collaboration; and 3) professional portfolio building. We demonstrate that the introduction of these challenges, especially the public presentations, had lasting positive impact in the intended technical learning outcomes of AGI with the added benefit of learning team work, presentation skills, timeliness, accountability, self-motivation, technical expertise, and professionalism.