DOCUMENT RESUME ED 359 951 IR 054 446 TITLE The Human Interface Technology Laboratory. INSTITUTION Washington Univ., Seattle. Washington Technology Center. PUB DATE 91 NOTE 58p.; Some pages have toner streaks. AVAILABLE FROM Human Interface Technology Laboratory, University of Washington, FJ-15, Seattle, WA 98195 (Order No. M-90-3, $5). PUB TYPE Collected Works General (020) EDRS PRICE MFOI/PC03 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Business; Electronic Mail; Higher Education; *Laboratories; *Man Machine Systems; Personnel; Publications; Research and Development; *Research and Development Centers; Videotape Cassettes IDENTIFIERS *Product Development; University of Washington; *Virtual Reality ABSTRACT This booklet contains information about the Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HITL), which was established by the Washington Technology Center at the University of Washington to transform virtual world concepts and research into practical, economically viable technology products. The booklet is divided into seven sections: a brief description of virtual worlds technology; (1) (2) a description of: HITL and how it interfaces with its parent institutions and surrounding community; (3) a list of HITL staff, fellows, and students, with a one-paragraph description of the activities of each; a description of the Virtual Worlds (4) Consortium, which works to enhance commercial applications of virtual worlds technology and a list of participating corporations; (5) lists of HITL core activities, enabling technologies, projected concept demonstration dates, and targeted markets; (6) an order form and a list of approximately 60 HITL technical publications; and (7) reprints from newspaper and magazine articles about virtual reality and HITL. A brief description of "sci.virtuai- worlds," a multidisciplinary USENET newsgroup devoted to discussions of the subject, is given on the inside back cover. (KRN) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** 3hce of Eaucatesnie GfeseafCh an° trnpcmernent EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER tERICI Tn.s clocumeni has men reoroduced as reoe,,e0 from :he person Or 0,ganizahon pre;onating to Improve 7' ?Awe), changes have Deer, mane epmluchon ouaely cloCu. Points 01 new or Opn,OnS stale() in Ina Off.C.af rent 00 not neOeSsa,,v eof OCR' POSMon or Weer The Human Interface Technology Laboratory of the Washington Technology Center Dr. Thomas A. Furness Human Interface Technology Laboratory Director of the Washington Technology Center University of Washington, FJ-15 'PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS 0 MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Seattle, WA 98195 Toni Emerson 206 / 543-5075 2 V,'"VP ! TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES '$1 '11 17,171"1 INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). The Human Interface Technology Laboratory was established in October 1989 by the Washington Technology Centers to transform virtual world con- cepts and research into practical, economically viable technology products. The overall goal of the Laboratory is to develop a new generation of human-machine interfaces by: Investigating and understanding the fundamentals of human perception and interaction with computers, information, and complex sysiems. Pioneering new interface concepts focusing on virtual world technologies. Creating and demonstrating new applications for virtual world technology in aerospace, medicine, education, design, entertainment, and related fields Transferring advanced interface technology and research results to industry. Human Interface Technology Laboratory Washington Technology Centers at the / University of Washington, FU-20 Seattle, WA 98195 (206) 543-5075 (Voice) (206) 543-5380 (FAX) C 1991 WTC 3 new interface archetype, Athat of the "virtual" inter- face, permits us to revise both the way we think about computers and the way we think with them. These inter- faces allow panoramic presentations in three dimensions to be made to the eyes, ears, and hands of the user. "Virtual" images presented directly to the senses provide a participant with a total, global experience. The human literally wears the computer. The partic- ipant is surrounded by a "circumambience" of computer-synthesized information, a spatial "world" in which the person and computer can more effectively communicate. The operator interacts with this inclusive medium by looking at objects, pointing his or her hands, and giving verbal commands. The medium permits virtual objects, which appear to be real but which are virtual projections, to be tcuched and manipulated by the participant. To create the "virtual world" representation of information, the virtual-display hard- ware components are programmed with "mindware." Mindware is a special class of soft- ware that takes into account the perceptual organization of the human and dynamically creates the three-dimensional sound, video, and tactile images which surround the user. A virtual reality is not limited to a single person. Virtual worlds can be shared by two or more participants. Each participant has the ability to customize the rendering to his or her particular needs and preferences. With the addition of telecommunication links, these worlds can be shared by many participants and at different times, creating a new medium of communication: televirtuality. Virtual interfaces solve many existing interface problems and empower new and novel interfaces for teleoperation, computer-aided design, education, medical imaging, prostheses for the handicapped, and entertainment. Virtual interface technology provides a bold new opportunity for solving many of the perplexing problems of interfacing human and machine intelligences. With systematic development, virtual interfaces can be one of the greatest advances of our age, and a boon to industry. 4 Human Interface Technology Laboratory T he Human Interface Technology Laboratory was established in October 1989 by the Washington Technology Center (WTC) to transform virtual world concepts and early research into practical, economically viable technology and products. The Laboratory performs basic research, develops interface technologies, and demonstrates applications for transfer to industry. Initially, the Laboratory's research and development program is focused on revolu- tionizing virtual interface technologies and creating new approaches to couple our senses, intellect, and psychomotor capabilities with complex machines. Ultimately, this activity will provide solutions to pervasive problems of information interface, in a variety of domains. The overall goal of the Laboratory is to develop a new generation of human-machine interfaces. This goal is expressed in the Laboratory's research agenda: To investigate and understand the fundamentals of human perception and interaction with the world, with computational machines, and with information systems. To pioneer new interface concepts focusing on virtual world technologies. To create and demonstrate new application areas for virtual worlds technology in aerospace, medicine, education, communication, design, and related fields. To transfer advanced interface technologies to the commercial sector. To provide an academic environment to train s....:dents, disseminate research findings, and provide a general resource base for the development of human-computer interaction. 5 Human Interface Technology Laboratory Washington Technology Centers The state legislature created the Washington Technology Center (WTC) in 1983 as a catalyst for statewide economic development. Its goal is to attract private industry and federal research dollars to help finance commercially promising research at the state's universities. The WTC marries research and private enterprise to produce new companies and high-tech products. The WTC is located in the new 67,000 square foot Fluke Hall. The WTC is producing technological developments in many areas including: ad- vanced materials, compound semiconductors, computer systems and software, veterinary and medical biotechnology, microsensors, and plant technology. The intellectual property associated with these technologies is in the form of patents, copyrights, trademarks, ser- vice marks, and trade names. The WTC's laboratories develop new prototypes and provide the kind of applied knowledge that can lead to breakthroughs for many high-tech industries. University of Washington The University of Washington is the premier research institution of the Pacific North- west, and a major contribi ttor to research and development on a global scale. For the past 20 years, the University has ranked among the top five institutions in the United States in terms of total federal grant and contract support. With an annual enrollment of more than 33,000 students, the University provides a rich human resource base for academic re- search. The University ranks among the top ten in the United States in many fields, and most ntdbly in the medical and engineering sciences. Seattle and Washington State Consistently related "America's No. 1 City," in terms of both livability and as a place to do business, Seattle is well-suited to the emerging global economy. The "Emerald City," located on the Puget Sound, has a mild climate with great scenic beauty, cozy neighbor- hoods, and proximity to natural areas. The region's burgeoning cultural scene and high- tech industry are making their mark on the Pacific Rim and beyond. The local scene is informal and friendly. The State of Washington offers a unique blend of urban, suburban, rural, and wilder- ness regions, with lifestyles to match. Its economy, balanced among natural resources, agriculture, crafts, and high technology design and manufacturing, continues to expand. Washington's progressive politics has produced an unusual alliance between government and business that ensures the state's continuing development into the 21st Century. 6 Human Interface Technology Laboratory VIRTUAL WORLDS CONSORTIUM Alias Research, Inc. American Express Company The Boeing Company Digital Equipment Corporation Division Ltd. Ford Motor Company Fujitsu Research Institute Franz, Inc. Insight Inc. Kopin Corporation Kubota Pacific Computer, Inc. Fluke Manufacturing Co., Inc. Microsoft Corporation Port of Seattle Sharp Corporation Stratos Sun Microsystems US Navy US WEST Communications Virtual Reality Inc. Human Interface Technology Laboratory of the Washington Technology Center at the University of Washington Seattle, WA 7 T he Virtual Worlds Consortium supports the Human Interface Technology Laboratory as a forum for the advancement of virtual worlds technology; for educating professionals, students, and the general public regarding virtual worlds technology; and for enhancing commercial applications of Vrtual worlds technology. The Virtual Worlds Consortium brings together industry, government, and academia to turn virtual world concepts into marketable technology. As a Member of the Consortium you will gain a strategic posture in promoting the development of an emerging technology. More specifically, you will: Help guide the research and development agenda of the Human Interface Technology Laboratory Be in touch with emerging research through two working meetings each year Paceive a semi-annual Consortium newsletter, timed for publication between working meetings, that includes news of the field, research-in- progress, and other items of interest Have prepublication access to the Laboratory's research findings Be able to recruit from our corps of graduate students who are directly involved in the development of virtual worlds technology Pinpoint areas of research specific to your strategic needs and contract with the Laboratory for their investigation Be informed of technological accomplishments of a non-proprietary nature as they occur, for possible commercialization of inventions and novel processes Be in the company of other organizations and professionals similarly interested in the emerging field of virtual worlds technology Work side-by-side with Laboratory personnel scientists and engineers as Industry Fellows and Associates Membership in the Virtu! Worlds Consortium costs $50,000 per year. Annual sponsorship fees are pooled to support selected research projects at the Laboratory. Because Members have access to the research and development of virtual worlds technol- ogy at its initial stages, they enjoy a competitive advantage as they transfer VR applications into the commercial environment. Human Interface Technology Laboratory Staff Thomas A. Furness III, Ph.D., Director. Dr. Furness brings to the Human Interface Technology Laboratory 23 years of virtual world research experience with the U.S. Air Force. Prior to founding the Laboratory, Dr. Furness was Chief of the Visual Display Systems Branch, Human Engineering Division of the Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research laboratory (AAMRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His staff of 50 government and contractor scientists, engineers, and technicians pioneered advanced interface concepts for fighter aircraft including the Super-Cockpit, a virtual cockpit that the pilot wears. This system created a three-dimensional visual, aural, and tactile world enabling pilots to operate complex aircraft with natural hand and eye movements and voice control. Dr. Furness is a Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Washington, where he conducts classes in human factors and the design of virtual world technology. Dr. Furness holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science form the University of Southampton, England. Mr. Bricken received his B.A. in General Art from the Colin Bricken, Software Engineer. His current project involves implementing the Universal University of Washington in June, 1992. Motivator, an evolving interface to V.R. that includes a V.R. database and dynamics specification, 3-D light and sound rendering, and midi drivers. William Bricken, Ph.D. , Principal Scientist. Dr. Bricken was formerly Director of the Autodesk Research Laboratory, where he led the development of Cyberspace, Autodesk's CAD application of virtual world technology. He was also Principal Scientist at ADS, where he pioneered the development of high performance inference engines, visual programming languages, and intructable interfaces. Dr. Bricken holds a Ph.D. in Research Methodology and an M.S. in Statistics from Stanford University, and a Dip.Ed. from Monagh Unviersity. He has taught at all levels, including principal of an innovative primary school and an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology of Education. Robert Burstein, Research Engineer. Mr. Burstein manages the Laboratory facilites and plays a major role in the fabrication of virtual-worlds presentation hardware. He holds a B.S.E.E. from the University of Dayton and has contributed to other pioneering WTC enterprises, including most recently the Materials Fabrication Laboratory. Mr. Burstein is a trained musician who works on synthetic generation of three-dimensional sound. Marc Cygnus, Research Engineer. Mr. Cygnus received his B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Delaware in 1991. He is currently pursuing his M.S. in Industrial Engineering (Human Factors) and working on biomedical projects involving the development of input devices utilizing biopotentials at the HIT Lab. Ann Elias, Program Support Supervisor. Ms. Elias coordinates the Laboratory's administrative activities. She has worked with local high-tech firms in the Seattle vicinity, been involved in Northwest politics as a campaign manager, and is an active fundraiser for the arts community. Ms. Elias holds a B.S. from Oregon State University. Alin Jones, Program Assistant. Ms. Jones received a B.A. in Art History and English from the University of California at Santa Barbara and then worked in the design and museum fields and the film industry. She coordinated the Lab's most recent Industry Symposium on Virtual Worlds Technology and is currently working on the Lab's next issue of the HIT Lab Review. Arthur Kerr, Business Manager. Mr. Kerr received his B.S. in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, his M.B.A. from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration and completed post-graduate studies at the Royal College of Prior to his work at the HIT Lab, Mr. Kerr directed national-level Defense Studies in London. communications programs in the Air Force, and supervised international sales in Cairo, Egypt. He also taught on the faculty of the Air Force Academy and managed development, test and evaluation activities on the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) in Seattle. 1 Brian Karr, Research Engineer. Mr. Karr has a B.S. from Evergreen State College. His degree is a combination of Physics and Computer Science. Mr. Karr has two years of graduate studies in the E.E. Ph.D. and building a system program at the University of Washington. His past 'VR experience includes designing that converts motion into musical instrument contol data (MIDI). He is presently researching 3-D (spatial) sound and developing applications for demonstration and research for inclusion in virtual worlds. Joel Kollin, Research Engineer, Optical Systems. Mr. Kollin is responsible for the development of M.S. from new Virtual Worlds display technology as well as other optical systems at the Lab. He holds a the MIT Media Laboratory, where he pioneered research on Holographic Televl qon, and a B.S.E. (Electrical Engineering) from the University of Michigan. At KMS Fusion, he worked on interferometry systems for laser-plasma interaction experiments and conducted design studies for a Real-Time Holographic Stereogram Display. Mr. Kollin has also worked on short-term projects for the Polaroid Corp. and the Industrial Technology Institute. Andy MacDonald, Research Engineer. Mr. MacDonald is the primary systems administrator at the HIT Lab. He graduated from M.I.T. in 1988 with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and his current interests include distributed computing and artificial life. Kymerie Riggs, Administrator, Virtual Worlds Consortium/Administrative Assistant. Ms. Riggs is currently administrator of the Virtual Worlds Consortium, a corporate enterprise committed to the research and development of virtual worlds technology. Her other duties involve proposal/funding support, administrative details, public relations, and coordination of the graduate and undergraduate student activities at the Lab. Ms. Riggs has a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington. Suzanne Weghorst, Research Scientist. Ms. Weghorst brings a combination of expertise in computer science and behavioral science to her work. Her most recent project, with the Department of Radiology at the University of Washington Medical Center, evaluated the clinical acceptability of a comprehensive computer system for acquiring, storing, and displaying digital images. She holds an M.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Riverside and an M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Washington. Her thesis examined user perception of graphical interface displays. Industrial Fellows Ben Childers, Orbis International. Mr. Childers received a B.S. in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University in August of 1990. During the past two years he has been involved with Orbis International in the design of their new DC-10 Flying Eye Hospital. He is now using graphic imaging and animation, which was used to help in the design of the DC-10, to help design an eye surgery simulator and teaching aide to be deployed on the DC-10. Bernard Ulozas, Ph.D, US Navy, Training Specialist, Navy Personel R&D Center. Dr. Ulozas received a Doctor of Arts degree in History and Curriculum Development from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1980. He began work as an Education Specialist with the U.S. Navy at Service School Command, Great Lakes, Illinois and managed the Curriculum and Instructional Standards Office. He later established and directed the Training Department at the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station in Philadelphia, PA. Presently Dr. Ulozas is working at the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center in San Diego, CA and is an industrial fellow at the HIT Lab. His research efforts include development of interactive courseware, intelligent tutoring systems and virtual environments for the U.S. Navy Damage Control personnel. 10