We present data from detailed observations of CityWall, a large multi-touch display installed in a central location in Helsinki, Finland. During eight days of installation, 1199 persons interacted with the system in various social configurations. Videos of these encounters were examined qualitatively as well as quantitatively based on human coding of events. The data convey phenomena that arise uniquely in public use: crowding, massively parallel interaction, teamwork, games, negotiations of transitions and handovers, conflict management, gestures and overt remarks to co-present people, and "marking" the display for others. We analyze how public availability is achieved through social learning and negotiation, why interaction becomes performative and, finally, how the display restructures the public space. The multi-touch feature, gesture-based interaction, and the physical display size contributed differentially to these uses. Our findings on the social organization of the use of public displays can be useful for designing such systems for urban environments.

Previous attempts to support spectators at large-scale events have concentrated separately on real-time event information, awareness cues, or media-sharing applications. CoMedia combines a group media space with event information and integrates reusable awareness elements throughout. In two field trials, one at a rally and the other at a music festival, we found that CoMedia facilitated onsite reporting to offsite members, coordination of group action, keeping up to date with others, spectating remotely, and joking. In these activities, media, awareness cues, and event information were often used in concert, albeit assuming differing roles. We show that the integrated approach better supports continuous interweaving of use with the changing interests and occurrences in large-scale events.

This paper introduces a new mobile robot for hazardous environments and for industrial applications. The robot, called OmniMate, has full omnidirectional motion capabilities, can detect and correct odometry errors without external references, and offers a large 183/spl times/91 cm (72/spl times/36") loading deck. A patented, so-called compliant linkage avoids the excessive wheel slippage often found in other omnidirectional platforms. This paper provides an overview over the mechanical and kinematic design of the robot, as well as over the complex, three-level onboard control system. Also explained is the unique, patented odometry error correction method, called internal position error correction (IPEC). The foremost advantage of the OmniMate with IPEC over conventional mobile robots is that the OmniMate's odometry is almost completely insensitive to even severe irregularities of the floor, such as bumps, cracks, or traversable objects. The OmniMate can travel reliably over larger distances than conventional mobile platforms, thus requiring much fewer external corrections.

This paper describes a highly automated hierarchical, design-for-testability process that spans the entire life cycle. Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Laboratories and Self-Test Services developed this process for the DoD's RASSP program, and it contributes significantly to the RASSP goals of 4/spl times/ improvement in cycle time, design quality, and life-cycle costs.