On the Impact of Stereo 3D Image on User Learning in the Web Environment

Recent technological breakthroughs have cultivated a Web3D movement. It is safe to say we will see more and more stereo 3D images on websites. This research investigates how stereo 3D can be employed on websites to influence user learning. A set of theory-driven hypotheses were developed to compare websites with embedded stereo 3D and websites with either static 2D images or virtual realities in terms of user comprehension, user control in learning, and user adoption of the website. Controlled experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. The results show that stereo 3D can reduce learning effort and induce positive user attitude. At the same time, it can also reduce users’ perceived control. While answering some fundamental research questions, this research also reveals that more investigation is needed regarding the use of stereo 3D on websites

Generation of Whole-Body Expressive Movement Based on Somatical Theories

An automatic choreography method to generate lifelike body movements is proposed. This method is based on somatics theories that are conventionally used to evaluate human’s psychological and developmental states by analyzing the body movement. The idea of this paper is to use the theories in the inverse way: to facilitate generation of artificial body movements that are plausible regarding evolutionary, developmental and emotional states of robots or other non-living movers. This paper reviews somatic theories and describes a strategy for implementations of automatic body movement generation. In addition, a psychological experiment is reported to verify expression ability on body movement rhythm. This method facilitates to choreographing body movement of humanoids, animal-shaped robots, and computer graphics characters in video games

Multiparameter vision testing apparatus

Compact vision testing apparatus is described for testing a large number of physiological characteristics of the eyes and visual system of a human subject. The head of the subject is inserted into a viewing port at one end of a light-tight housing containing various optical assemblies. Visual acuity and other refractive characteristics and ocular muscle balance characteristics of the eyes of the subject are tested by means of a retractable phoroptor assembly carried near the viewing port and a film cassette unit carried in the rearward portion of the housing (the latter selectively providing a variety of different visual targets which are viewed through the optical system of the phoroptor assembly). The visual dark adaptation characteristics and absolute brightness threshold of the subject are tested by means of a projector assembly which selectively projects one or both of a variable intensity fixation target and a variable intensity adaptation test field onto a viewing screen located near the top of the housing

Interactive form creation: exploring the creation and manipulation of free form through the use of interactive multiple input interface

Most current CAD systems support only the two most common input devices: a mouse and a keyboard that impose a limit to the degree of interaction that a user can have with the system. However, it is not uncommon for users to work together on the same computer during a collaborative task. Beside that, people tend to use both hands to manipulate 3D objects; one hand is used to orient the object while the other hand is used to perform some operation on the object. The same things could be applied to computer modelling in the conceptual phase of the design process. A designer can rotate and position an object with one hand, and manipulate the shape [deform it] with the other hand. Accordingly, the 3D object can be easily and intuitively changed through interactive manipulation of both hands.The research investigates the manipulation and creation of free form geometries through the use of interactive interfaces with multiple input devices. First the creation of the 3D model will be discussed; several different types of models will be illustrated. Furthermore, different tools that allow the user to control the 3D model interactively will be presented. Three experiments were conducted using different interactive interfaces; two bi-manual techniques were compared with the conventional one-handed approach. Finally it will be demonstrated that the use of new and multiple input devices can offer many opportunities for form creation. The problem is that few, if any, systems make it easy for the user or the programmer to use new input devices

Intention recognition for gaze controlled robotic minimally invasive laser ablation

Eye tracking technology has shown promising results for allowing hands-free control of robotically-mounted cameras and tools. However existing systems present only limited capabilities in allowing the full range of camera motions in a safe, intuitive manner. This paper introduces a framework for the recognition of surgeon intention, allowing activation and control of the camera through natural gaze behaviour. The system is resistant to noise such as blinking, while allowing the surgeon to look away safely at any time. Furthermore, this paper presents a novel approach to control the translation of the camera along its optical axis using a combination of eye tracking and stereo reconstruction. Combining eye tracking and stereo reconstruction allows the system to determine which point in 3D space the user is fixating, enabling a translation of the camera to achieve the optimal viewing distance. In addition, the eye tracking information is used to perform automatic laser targeting for laser ablation. The desired target point of the laser, mounted on a separate robotic arm, is determined with the eye tracking thus removing the need to manually adjust the laser's target point before starting each new ablation. The calibration methodology used to obtain millimetre precision for the laser targeting without the aid of visual servoing is described. Finally, a user study validating the system is presented, showing clear improvement with median task times under half of those of a manually controlled robotic system

A visual feedback system for micromanipulation with stereoscopic microscope

A stereoscopic microscope is widely used in a micromanipulation such as to operate genes and to inspect integration circuits. As in these tasks the micromanipulation is handled and makes too heavy burden to operators, it is desirable to perform the micromanipulation automatically. In this paper, we propose a visual feedback system for micromanipulation with stereoscopic microscope. This system takes less time to control the manipulator by reducing searching area to detect an object </p