DockLamp, a portable projector-camera system

DockLamp is a novel type of computer permitting natural interaction on a tabletop. The lamp is equipped with a beamer and a camera, as well as a mini-pc that acts as a server. A first software application permitting to share displays just by pressing physical buttons has been developed.

Most research efforts concentrate now on building basic components for natural interaction using the potential of the camera / projector system. A multi-finger detection system has already been implemented, detecting fingers hovering or touching the surface. It is applied along with paper recognition, and opens the possibilitiy for many novel augmented reality applications.

Latest prototype

Design studies

Docklamp is organized into two separated aluminium "boxes". The first one contains a mini-pc equipped with a Wifi antenna and electronics for the buttons and the power adapters for both the PC and the projector. The second box contains the beamer and the camera. In its closed position, the Docklamp looks like a long suitcase that can be easily carried on using a handle (507 x 215 x 63 mm). The projector lens and the camera are placed in a secured position. The suitcase can be opened with a simple gesture and transformed into a lamp. In its resting position the beamer box is automatically positioned in the appropriate vertical position, facing down at 70 cm of height.

Publications

Do-Lenh, S., Kaplan, F., Sharma, A., Dillenbourg, P., Multi-Finger Interactions with Papers on Augmented Tabletops, In Proceedings of International Conference on Tangible and Embedded Interaction (TEI), pp.267-274. ACM. Feb 2009.

Kaplan, F.; Do-Lenh, S.; Bachour, K.; Kao, G. Y.; Gault, C. & Dillenbourg, P., Interpersonal Computers for Higher Education (Book Chapter), in Interactive Artifacts and Furniture Supporting Collaborative Work and Learning, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Series (10), pages 129–145. Springer US, 2009.

Frederic Kaplan, Son Do-Lenh, Pierre Dillenbourg, Docklamp: a novel form-factor for projector-camera system,  19ème conférence sur l'Interaction Homme-Machine, Atelier "Tables Interactives", Nov 2007, France

Frederic Kaplan, Son Do-Lenh, Pierre Dillenbourg, Docklamp: a portable projector-camera system, Poster, the 2nd IEEE TABLETOP Workshop, Oct. 2007, Newport, USA

Presentation movies

(2006-2007) Demonstration of the algorithm detecting multiple fingertips regardless of their orientations and on backgrounds that change rapidly.