Peek-a-drawer: communication by furniture

Abstract

Peek-A-Drawer is a new communication device that uses furniture to support lightweight communication between people. It provides virtual shared drawers that connect family members who are located at a distance. When a user puts something in the upper drawer and closes it, a photograph is taken automatically and the image appears in the lower drawer at a distant place. The operation is as simple as using a drawer, allowing even children to communicate with their grandparents. As the camera only takes pictures of objects inside the drawer, privacy is assured.