"Evaluating the effects of immersion in mixed reality"
Speaker: Dr. Doug Bowman, Virginia Tech
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Time: 1:25 PM - 2:15 PM
Location: 3100 Torgersen
Abstract
Immersive virtual reality (VR), typified by technologies such as stereoscopic projected displays and 3D tracking systems, has been available for many years, but there are only a handful of examples of real-world applications of this technology, most of which are focused on providing a realistic “experience” to the user so that he experiences a sense of “presence.” We claim that immersive technologies can provide other benefits, such as increased spatial understanding or reduced information clutter. We are running a series of empirical studies to demonstrate these effects and to determine “how much immersion is enough.” Our results so far indicate that higher levels of immersion do lead to improved spatial understanding in complex visualizations, and that greater immersion can produce more efficient interaction in difficult task situations. Our current work is focused on the design and development of the mixed reality simulator - a highly-immersive display platform that can be used to simulate existing and proposed display hardware - for the purpose of extending our research agenda on immersion.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Time: 1:25 PM - 2:15 PM
Location: 3100 Torgersen
Abstract
Immersive virtual reality (VR), typified by technologies such as stereoscopic projected displays and 3D tracking systems, has been available for many years, but there are only a handful of examples of real-world applications of this technology, most of which are focused on providing a realistic “experience” to the user so that he experiences a sense of “presence.” We claim that immersive technologies can provide other benefits, such as increased spatial understanding or reduced information clutter. We are running a series of empirical studies to demonstrate these effects and to determine “how much immersion is enough.” Our results so far indicate that higher levels of immersion do lead to improved spatial understanding in complex visualizations, and that greater immersion can produce more efficient interaction in difficult task situations. Our current work is focused on the design and development of the mixed reality simulator - a highly-immersive display platform that can be used to simulate existing and proposed display hardware - for the purpose of extending our research agenda on immersion.