Papers
CHI 98
Conference on Human Factors in
Computing systems
Los Angeles, California USA
18-23 April 1998
1998 ACM
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PingPongPlus: Augmentation and Transformation of Athletic Interpersonal Interaction
Craig Wisneski, Julian Orbanes, Hiroshi Ishii
Tangible Media Group
MIT Media Laboratory
20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
{wiz, joules, ishii}@media.mit.edu

ABSTRACT
PingPongPlus (PP+) is a digitally enhanced version of the classic ping-pong game. We have designed a digital layer of audio/visual augmentation on top of a conventional ping-pong table using a newly developed ball tracking system and video projection. The “reactive table” displays patterns of light and shadow as a game is played, and the rhythm and style of play drives accompanying sound. In the process, this project explores new ways to couple athletic recreation and social interaction with engaging digital enhancements. This paper describes the basic idea, research agenda, several applications, technical implementation, and initial experiences.