Using the Phantogram Technique for a Collaborative Stereoscopic Multitouch Tabletop Game

This paper outlines the development of a stereoscopic game included in the design of a pilot transmedia storytelling campaign for health promotion and communication of basic concepts about vision and perception for a target audience of children under six and their families in a research clinic setting. The game utilizes the 3D phantogram technique (anamorphically distorted projection onto a horizontal surface) to implement a two-person multitouch game using the Unity 3D engine and IZ3D drivers on the Microsoft Surface tabletop display. Viewed from an appropriate height and position, virtual objects and characters appear to stand directly on the tabletop, facilitating a direct and intuitive mixed reality interface. The technical challenges included occlusion of stereoscopic images by users´ hands, the generation of appropriate perspectives for multiple users, and the integration of a two-dimensional multitouch surface with a three-dimensional stereoscopic display.