MEMS Seminar Series: Measuring the Benefits of Immersive Virtual Environments, Prof. Regis Kopper

Virtual reality technology has the potential to help users in tasks such as spatial understanding, memorization and training. Immersive virtual environments allow users to experience three dimensional computer graphics applications from a first person perspective and to interact using natural techniques. However, immersive virtual reality may not be the best solution in many cases and it is important that we understand where users can benefit from such advanced systems. In this talk, I will provide an overview of my research on human performance in virtual environments. There are many configurations of interactive systems, such as single monitors, multi monitor setups, projection screens, surrounding screens and head-mounted displays. Each display category carries a set of characteristics that influence how the user perceives the virtual environment. I will describe studies conducted to understand the benefits of different displays (and display characteristics) on low level tasks, such as selection and navigation, and application areas such as military training, marksmanship training and archeology.