Using Device Federations to Enhance the Creative Process in a Distributed Interaction Environment

In this work, we examine how the advantages of a digital painting application can be supplemented by distributing its elements among several devices that participate in a device federation. The paint system we describe is a proof-of-concept for an architecture that facilitates the creation of a distributed interaction space. The architecture handles end-user device discovery, distribution of user interfaces, coordination of actions and propagation of events within the interaction environment. Central to this approach is a web-based middleware layer built on the Web To Peer (W2P) framework, a custom framework that supports user interface distribution for heterogeneous environments. The motivation for developing a distributed painting application is to offer the artist a more natural environment so that digital painting resembles a traditional painting process. We accomplish this goal by creating a computer-enhanced paint environment that closely matches the real world painting process, incorporating devices such as an interactive whiteboard, a graphics tablet interface, a tablet PC and PDAs. keywords I.3.4 [Graphics Utilities]: Paint systems, H.5.2 [User Interfaces]: Input devices and strategies, C.2.4 [Distributed Systems]: Distributed applications, C.5.3 [Microcomputers]: Portable devices,