CarSketch: A Collaborative Sketching Table with Self-Propelled Tangible Objects for Automotive Applications

We present CarSketch, a concept and prototype of a collaborative sketching table that supports interdisciplinary development teams during the early development phase of driver assistance systems. Due to the high costs caused by the use of physical prototypes, simulation is a common approach. Yet, the operation of state-of-the-art simulations is restricted to specialists, leaving the majority of stakeholders as passive observers. Our system for a collaborative and multi-perspective communication tool enables all participants to interact with the simulation. In particular, it (1) structures the ideation and development by providing a distraction-free environment with an easy-to-use drawing interface, (2) which is used by self-propelled tangibles to monitor and influence the simulation. (3) Additional information is provided by personal augmentation and (4) the simulation can be replayed in an immersive 3D environment. We expect the tool to be useful for multidisciplinary teams in fostering the ideation phase and finding conceptual mistakes more efficiently.