Creating Virtual Worlds with a Graspable User Interface

We introduce a system to interact with computers using real objects as interface. The graspable model on the table has a congruent counterpart in the computer which is updated continuously. The use of concrete objects offers advantages for interaction and cooperation. The underlying virtual model provides capabilities like remote visualization, simulation and documentation which play an important role for processes in engineering and education. System implementation, interaction concepts, projects as well as the impact on distant cooperation are introduced in this article.