From: Robert W. Lindeman [gogo@SEAS.GWU.EDU]
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 1999 2:20 PM
To: 3-D User Interaction Mailing List
Subject: Thesis Online.

Hi all,

I've put a copy of my Doctoral Thesis online. You can find it at:

       http://tangle.seas.gwu.edu/~gogo/gogopubs.html

My work covers bimanual interaction and the use of passive-haptic
feedback. The abstract follows. Any feedback (no pun) is appreciated!!

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                                ABSTRACT

            Bimanual Interaction, Passive-Haptic Feedback,
      3D Widget Representation, and Simulated Surface Constraints
          for Interaction in Immersive Virtual Environments

                       by Robert William Lindeman
            Directed by Associate Professor James K. Hahn

	The study of human-computer interaction within immersive virtual 
environments requires us to balance what we have learned from the design and
use of desktop interfaces with novel approaches that allow us to work
effectively in three dimensions. This dissertation presents empirical results
from four studies into different techniques for indirect manipulation in
immersive virtual environments. These studies use a testbed called the Haptic
Augmented Reality Paddle (or HARP) system to compare different immersive
interaction techniques.

	The results show that the use of hand-held windows as an interaction
technique can improve performance and preference on tasks requiring head
movement. Also, the use of a physical prop registered with the visual
representation of an interaction surface can significantly improve user
performance and preference compared to having no physical surface.
Furthermore, even if a physical surface is not present, constraining user
movement for manipulating interface widgets can also improve performance.

	Research into defining and classifying interaction techniques in the
form of a taxonomy for interaction in immersive virtual environments is also
presented. The taxonomy classifies interaction techniques based on three
primary axes: direct versus indirect manipulation; discrete versus continuous
action types; and the dimensionality of the interaction. The results of the
empirical studies support the classification taxonomy, and help map out the
possible techniques that support accomplishing real work within immersive
virtual environments.

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         _/     _/     _/     _/  * Robert W. Lindeman, Sc.D.
_/_/  _/  _/ _/  _/ _/  _/ _/  _/ * Institute for Computer Graphics
       _/_/   _/     _/_/   _/    * The George Washington University
        _/            _/          * email: gogo@seas.gwu.edu
   _/_/_/        _/_/_/           * http://tangle.seas.gwu.edu/~gogo/