An important problem for the human factors specialist involves specifying the extent to which the quality of a displayed image will affect observer performance. One approach to this problem has been to develop metrics of image quality and to correlate measured image quality with observer performance. Of the metrics that have been developed, the Modulation Transfer Factor Area (MTFA) has proven to be a useful predictor of observer performance. The MTFA metric takes into account the system's Modulation Transfer Function and observer threshold curves. Two experiments were performed to assess the effects of the quality of a televised image on eye movements and search-related dependent measures. The first experiment search task involved having subjects perform an air-to-ground search during simulated flight. The quality of the image presented was varied by either passing, low-pass filtering, or attenuating the video signal and by adding electrical white noise to the video signal. The results of this experiment indicate that (1) at the highest level of electrical noise added, the percent of correct target acquisitions was decreased moderately, (2) the larger the target, the higher the percent correct responses, (3) the low-pass filtering of the video signal led to shorter ground ranges at acquisition for the large-sized targets, and (4) that the larger the target, the longer the fixation duration. Low to moderate correlations between MTFA and performance measures generally indicated that as MTFA increases performance improves, and that as MTFA increases fixation duration decreases. The search task of the second experiment consisted of having the subjects search for a designated letter or numeral across a televised picture of randomly positioned letters and numerals. The quality of the picture was varied by either passing, low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, or attenuating the video signal and by adding electrical white noise to the video signal. The results of this experiment indicated that (1) the high-pass filtered high noise level condition led to significantly longer search times; and (2) the fixation times associated with the high-pass filtered condition were longer than those associated with the low-pass filtered, at- tenuated, and unfiltered unattenuated conditions, and that this effect was most pronounced under high noise level conditions. Correlations between MTFA and performance measures indicated that increases in MTFA lead to decreases in search time and decreases in fixation duration. The results of tests among fixation and saccade duration distribution across both experiments consistently showed significant individual differences and non-normality. Examination of pooled fixation duration distributions showed large dispersion differences across the static and dynamic imagery experiments. This result, and the differences of pooled fixation and saccade duration distribution ranges do not support the search model assumption of constant glimpse durations and reveal serious.flaws in the structure of search models. / Ph. D.

M. S.

The project focuses on computer tools suitable for particular game genres and how they are used to develop 3D computer games. As part of learning about the tools, the author developed a 3D computer adventure game called "Adventures of Smiley" using Macromedia Director MX and 3D Studio Max. The game's purpose is to engage children using a friendly interface while they learn about different topics in various subject areas through lessons and puzzles. The research gathered information about the current game industry, technologies and game genres, which can be used as a reference for the beginning level game programmer. The project documentation and the game are also published on the Internet and can be freely accessed online.

This project included the development of a multi-user game that takes place in a 3 dimensional world of the computer science department. Basically, the game allows prospective students to meet existing students and faculty in a virtual open house that takes place within the third floor of Jack Brown Hall. Users can walk around Jack Brown Hall and type text messages to chat with each other.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Structure from Motion suggests that an object or scene’s three-dimensional structure can be determined from its observed two-dimensional motion. Human efforts, manifested in computer algorithms, try to mimic the enormous power of the visual processing capabilities of the human brain. We present an algorithm to estimate structure, using the Unscented Kalman Filter, from the motion of point-wise features, produced by the Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi feature tracker. The algorithm is evaluated critically against an extensive set of motion sequences, with special attention paid to facial feature reconstruction.

This study is concerned with determining the effects that video display terminal use had on reporters' and editors' attitudes toward their jobs and the machines themselves. Data for this investigation were obtained with questionnaires returned from seventy-one reporters and editors who use video terminals in their daily work. Questionnaire data were supplemented with interview data from thirteen questionnaire respondents, Ten hypotheses in five categories were tested with the t test. Four additional hypotheses were tested with raw data. Findings showed that video terminal use enhanced perceived job professionalism and made respondents think they should make more money. Attitudes toward video terminals improved after use of the devices, and respondents recognized the value of video terminal training in college,

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING / Includes bibliographical references. / by Poh Chuan Lim. / M.S.

A two-dimensional structural analysis design approach has been the universally accepted method for a small structural engineering design firm. The tools to perform the analysis have been paper and pencil, calculators and more recently personal computers with two-dimensional software. With the introduction of three-dimensional software, a major shift is occurring on how small structural engineering firms approach analysis and design. This thesis research reviews the analysis of an existing building utilizing the standard two-dimensional approach, including horizontal diaphragm-action within wood floors. This study also reviews the research performed on horizontal diaphragms and investigates the use of three-dimensional, finite element modeling (RISA-3D) for the analysis of horizontal diaphragms. It is shown that the three-dimensional model can provide results similar to the two-dimensional hand calculations. However, the thickness of the diaphragm elements has to be significantly modified for flexible diaphragm action. The experience described herein is useful for structural engineer interfacing within three-dimensional CAD systems. The thesis concludes with a discussion on the challenges facing small structural engineering firms, including computer based technologies, engineering expertise to develop contract documents and review shop drawings, and outsourcing of design services.

The effectiveness of information visualization largely depends on the ease and accuracy with which users can access the information. Visual clutter in a display can detract from a user's ability to properly read the information. An ideal visualization needs to maximize the visibility of patterns and structure and minimize the clutter present. Thus far, there has been surprisingly little work done in finding quantitative ways to measure clutter in information visualizations. The goal of this project was to create clutter measurement and reduction techniques that minimize the presence of visual clutter and maximize a user's ability to accurately read the data. These methods were tested and evaluated on a number of visualizations depicting domestic air traffic data.

Various Image Based Rendering (IBR) techniques have been proposed to reconstruct scenes from its images. Voxel-based IBR algorithms reconstruct Lambertian scenes well, but fail for specular objects due to limitations of their consistency checks. We show that the conventional consistency techniques fail due to the large variation in reflected color of the surface for different viewing positions. We present a new consistency approach that can predict this variation in color and reconstruct specular objects present in the scene. We also present an evaluation of our technique by comparing it with three other consistency methods.