HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: bchang@nyx.cs.du.edu (Ben Chang)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: TECH: graphics processor board?
Date: 11 Nov 92 00:29:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov11.040027.18404
Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix (sponsored by U. of Denver Math/CS dept.)
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


here's a concept i've been pondering: the problem with REAL-TIME is the
godawful calculations for viewpoint update/rendering/etc.  Couldn't you
hardwire all the formulas into a circuit that would provide answers
zip-bang fast?  if anyone knows about building arithmetic logic circuits,
please e-mail me.
thanks
  ben bchang@nyx.cs.du.edu
From: MITZEL@CCSUA.CTSTATEU.EDU (BEVERLY MITZEL - )
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: RE: INFO: Virtual Reality Group (VRG)
Date: 9 Nov 92 13:56:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov9.220319.11525
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


Hi,
My name is Beverly Mitzel, and I am new to this group.  I am writing to you from
 
Central CT State University.  I am the Ass't. Director of the Media Center here,
 
and am very interested in both VR and Hypermedia, for utilization in the 
educational environment.  I have been reading postings, and I know about the 
resource file with commonly asked questions...but it seems to me, that most of 
you are working with hardware (and peripherals) and software.  I know that there
 
are some other Universities out there, who have had some grant funding for VR 
research.  What about applications? 
I ahave a question to throw out to the group...If there were such a thing as a 
"virtual classroom" what would/could it include (listing current 
technologies...ex: hypermedia etc.) and WHY.  And for any educators out there, 
HOW could we ASSESS performance?
Thanks,

Bevrly Mitzel
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT
mitzel@ccsua.ccsu.edu
From: thinman@netcom.com (Technically Sweet)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: TECH: VPL Gesture recognition
Date: 9 Nov 92 18:29:34 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov9.220421.11800
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


I have no idea about VPL's software.

You can get very nice gesture recognition software
in source:   emsworth.andrew.cmu.edu:pub/gestures/gestures.tar.Z

This stuff processes independent streams and cross-
correlates them.  It does mice, glove, whatever.
Check it out.  Comes with a cute MacDraw-type thing
for X where you select a drawing tool with a gesture
instead of a tool palette.
From: 73317.646@CompuServe.COM (Dan D. Gutierrez)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: INFO: Virtual Reality Groups
Date: 11 Nov 92 16:37:43 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov12.021931.23199
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


The AMULET BBS supports multiple virtual communities, one of which focuses
on the colonization of Cyberspace.  If you would like to join us, dial US
number: (310) 453-7705 to jack-in for some good VR.

There are members of the UCLA VR community that meet regularly here.

Dan D. Gutierrez
AMULET BBS
SYSOP
From: george@northwest.Berkeley.EDU
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: INFO: Virtual Reality Group (VRG)
Date: 7 Nov 92 03:09:12 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov7.070648.15450
Organization: Silicon Graphics Inc., Mountain View, CA
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


In article <1992Nov6.034148.4196@u.washington.edu>,
m14494@mwvm.mitre.org (Mike White) writes:
|> 
|> Chirag N. Shah writes:
|> > I have heard about a company called Virtual Reality Group (VRG) which
|> > presumedly manufactures HMDs with resolutions upto 1280x1024.  Could
|> > anybody who is aware of this get me their address/ph# ?
|> 
|> The Virtual Reality Group
|> 800 Follin Lane, Suite 270
|> Vienna, VA 22180
|> (703)242-0030 (voice)
|> (703)242-5220 (fax)
|> 
|> Contact: Christopher Lewis
|> 
|> HMD specs:
|> Image source: 1" monophosphor CRTs
|> Sync: NTSC High res, VGA, 1290x1024 (per eye) workstation
|> Refresh rate: 60 Hz
|> HMD weight: 3 lbs
|> Power: 100 watts
|> Pupil res: 2 arc seconds per pixel
|> Pupil brightness: 25 foot-lamberts
|> Pupil diameter: 12mm
|> IPD adjustment: 62-74mm
|> Eye relief: 26mm
|> Monocular FOV: 50 degrees diagonal
|> Overlap positions: 35%, 67.5%, 100%
|> 
|> The above info is from a spec sheet I picked up at a demo.  I have no 
|> connection with VRG.  
|> 
|> ************************
|> * These are my opinions only.*
|> ************************


I have not had a chance to call VRG, but no HMDs currently have 1280X1024
resolution especially in a 1" CRT.  Correct me if I am wrong.

-george
From: barchasd@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (David Barchas)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: TECH: glove problem
Date: 12 Nov 92 17:58:40 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


okay, I realize my first post of my glove problem was about as incomplete as
I could possibly make it.  Here is my problem.

I have a santron 486dx/50mhz system with 210 mb hd and 8 mb ram.
I ahve the powerglove hooked up to the parrallel port with the +5v coming from
one of the extra drive power supplies.  My sensors are all level, nothing is in
the way, the only thing is that the sensors are attached to the wall but that
should only cause a little bit of jitter from echoes.
When I turn on the system, the glove beeps and all.  When I start rend386 all
of the LED's turn on and start flashing very fast,(very very fast).  The glove
is sitting perfectly still, yet it the hand jumps all over the screen 
hysterically.  The emmitters are clicking away at a steady pace, and the system
does kind of recognize forward and backward motion.  Does not recognize
rotation, side to side or up and down. (of course I am not sure of this since
the hand is jumping around on the screen so violently, but this is what it 
seems like).  Anyway, the program is not recognizing any jestures except for 
fist, and I got it to recognize badfinger once, by accident(frustration set in).
Also I couldn't get any of the test progs from pcvr to work, probably because
I need to compile them on my system which I will do when I become less anoyed.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

David Barchas (barchasd@mentor.cc.purdue.edu) |   "Oops..."
Purdue University - Computer Science          |      Famous last word.
.
From: jones@nprdc.navy.mil (David Ryan-Jones  )
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: TECH: Head-mounted Displays
Date: 13 Nov 92 16:22:37 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov13.190405.5064
Organization: Navy Personnel R&D Center
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu



I have a request for the hardware experts reading this newsgroup.  I
have read numerous discussions of some HMD devices, such as SEGA
glasses.  However, I do not believe that anyone has posted a summary
list these devices in the last few months (Flame me and repost a copy
if I am wrong).

Perhaps one of the experts could summarize the current state of
technology of HMD devices, and post the summary to this newsgroup.  In
particular, I would like to know what head-mounted display devices are
currently available from commercial sources?  What are the basic
characteristics of each of these display (e.g., luminance, color,
lines of resolution, interface type, direct view or virtual)?  What is
the approximate cost of each device?  Also, if you have actually seen
a demo of the device or have used the device please give your candid
opinion of the device or of the technology in general.

David Ryan-Jones
Navy Personnel R&D Center
e-mail:jones@nprdc.navy.mil
From: jesse@mars.slu.edu
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: TECH: PowerGlove & Sega Glasses
Date: 13 Nov 92 20:09:42 GMT
Article-I.D.: mars.1992Nov13.140942.1
Organization: Parks College St. Louis Univ.
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


In article <1992Nov5.024627.16078@u.washington.edu>, AKOSSOWSKY@TURBO.kean.edu w
rites:
> 
> No, the Sega glasses don't know what direction your looking in, but
> really wouldn't matter if they did, because you have to be looking at a viedo 
mi
> nitor for them to work anyway!  Also, the type of stereoscopy given by that ty
pe
> of system does not have the 'look-around' property.  That is, they give a
> "ViewMaster" kind of effect, not a holographic effect.  They're used
> by VR experimenters, as far as I can tell, because we can afford them!
> Personally, I don't mess with them, but I would guess that they could give
> a pretty impressive effect if used in a multi-monitor setup.
> 
> I really need a mail editor with a quoteing feature. Anybody have a good
> peice of Freeware?
> 
> ApK

Excuse my ignorance, I am new to VR.  I would like to setup a small VR setup.
Since I am going to use my own funds, I need CHEEP!.

Would someone tell me more about the Sega glasses and a glove?

Is there something reasonable priced out there?  ( total investment under say
$500)

What type of computer is necessary? ( a 486-50, 8 Meg memory )

What kind of PD software is there? and where?

Thanks for your assistance.

Jesse Tutterrow

jesse@castor.slu.edu
From: alonso@vzdmzd.zdv.Uni-Mainz.DE
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: TECH: 360 Degree Field of View
Date: 9 Nov 92 18:34:45 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov9.220359.11718
Organization: Johannes-Gutenberg Univ. Mainz
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


In response to article <1992Nov7.015120.6418@u.washington.edu>,
 nordic@cats.ucsc.edu (Paul David Cattrone)

        Hello!
        I'm a Physics student, and in the moment working in 'vision'. I'm not
yet related with VR but hopefully I will.
        I must say that I had some of a plan like yours for future
investigation, so I've thought that may be you could tell me the resoults.

        I think it should be easier when you work with 360 degrees in only the
X axis, because of two things:
        1) The transform matrix for the modeled world for 360 degrees in both 
vertical and horizontal axis into a 2-D plane of vision (for each eye) would be
unbelievable complex, but possible. Good luck if you dare!

        2) The human brain is very flexible and can change the way it
understands the signals coming from the eyes, but how flexible!
        I've heard of experiences using glasses to see upside-down and after
continously using during trhee days you can see everything normal, like allways
although the image in the retina is not the same, thats something!
        But can the brain deal with so complex transformation as the one you
propouses? I find it better and more likely to succeed when you start only with
, as I said above, 360 deggrees in horizontal axis. This also has the problem
of stereoscopical vision, just think how superimpose two images taken from each
eye (360 degrees) and you'll find that at the point of 90 and 270 degrees you
loose the stereoscopic effect, (taking origin 0 degrees at front).

        So I hope it works with your research, and that what I said above is
usefull for you. I just wanted you to consider this 'little' problems I've
found earlier.

        And I'll be thankfull that you tell me some resoults you find.

Luis Alonso Chorda
ALONSO@VIPMZA.PHYSIK.UNI-MAINZ.DE              This is my usual address
                                               I will be here in Germany until
                                               end of Juny '93. Then back in
                                               Spain.
From: jo2i+@andrew.cmu.edu (Jason Michael Ouellette)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: INFO: Retinal Scanning Display
Date: 11 Nov 92 03:40:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov11.040206.18757
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


I found an exciting tidbit in the May/June 1992 issue of the CyberEdge
(TM) Journal.  I'd quote it in full, but have no desire to violate
copyright laws.

In summary -- the HIT lab has evidently created something called the,
"Virtual Retinal Display."  It's still in an experimental stage with a
narrow field of view and low resolution, but the article mentions an
ambitious goal of 1280x1024 resolution, "within several months."

I know the HIT Lab is well-represented on this newsgroup -- could
someone please follow up on this?  This sort of technology would seem to
be the future of HMD's -- eliminating bulk/weight and creating a
realistic field-of-view, possibly complete with peripheral vision...

Thanks.
From: jones@ils.nwu.edu
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: INFO: New Ph.D. Program, Northwestern U.
Date: 9 Nov 92 20:41:29 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov9.220450.11884
Organization: institute for the learning sciences
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


T h e   L  E  A  R  N  I  N  G    S  C  I  E  N  C  E  S    P h. D.   P r o g r
a m


Preparing individuals for productive work and a   high quality of life in
today's society is a complex  challenge for schools and corporations. To meet
this challenge, Northwestern University has established a unique Ph.D. program
in the Learning Sciences. Its purpose is to advance the research and
development of innovative educational structures and technologies.

Research in the Learning Sciences is aimed at creating environments that offer
all students a rich variety of opportunities for learning to think effectively,
both within and outside of formal learning settings. Graduate student and
faculty research efforts are supported by a multimedia, networked computing 
infrastructure and an unusual commitment to developing technologies that
function effectively within their intended settings. 

The Learning Sciences is a synthesis of computational and social science
disciplines including artificial intelligence, cognitive and developmental
psychology, educational research, linguistics, computer science, anthropology
and fields that develop strategies for teaching complex subject matter. 

Through research, field work and apprenticeships, the Ph.D. program will
prepare its graduates to assume leadership roles in advancing the scientific
understanding and systematic practices of learning and teaching.

Students are eligible for competitively-awarded multi-year funding. To qualify
for financial aid, candidates should apply by January 15, 1993. Applications
received after that date may be  considered. Individuals with relevant teaching
experience or a strong academic  background in a field related to the Learning
Sciences are encouraged to apply. For  application materials or for further
information, contact:

Professor Roy Pea
Ph.D. Program Chair 
The Learning Sciences 
Northwestern University
1890 Maple Avenue
Evanston, IL  60201
phone: 708-491-8152
fax:    708-491-5258
email: jones@ils.nwu.edu
From: graham@venus.iucf.indiana.edu (JIM GRAHAM)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: TECH: PowerGlove/Sega Glasses
Date: 12 Nov 92 17:15:47 GMT
Organization: Somewhere in Bloomington, Indiana
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


In article <1992Nov12.085141.12672@u.washington.edu>, pension!rserling@wicat.COM
 (Rod Serling) writes...
> 
> 
>I have had absouletly NO luck at all finding either a powerglove or
>sega glasses locally, or from sega.  Can anyone suggest a mail order
>house that stocks there items?
> 

I just purchased (2 weeks ago) a pair of sega glasses from the local 
Montgomery Wards (of course, it was their last pair).  I also asked about
powergloves (I'm in the hording mode) and they told me that yes, they
have been carrying them for about 14.00 each, but they were out of them.

You might try finding a Mondgomery Wards.  You may hit paydirt.

> 
>_|_  Internet: rserling@pension.UUCP_|_   This post was the result of _|_
>_|_  At&TNet : 801 374 5788         _|_   markov chaining.            _|_
>_|_  Please paste in a witty/clever/thought provoking bit here.       _|_

Jim Graham 

        -> ->Disclaimer: I do not speak for my company. <- <-
                          Neither do they speak for me.
 ______________________________________________________________________
| Internet: graham@venus.iucf.indiana.edu                              |
|           dolmen!jgraham@moose.cs.indiana.edu                        |
| BBS:      The PORTAL DOLMEN BBS/ParaNet ALPHA-GAMMA (sm) (9:1012/13) |
|            (812) 334-0418, 24hrs.                                    |
|______________________________________________________________________|
From: quiglejb@craft.camp.clarkson.edu (Jennifer B. Quigley)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: INFO: Air Force VR work
Date: 9 Nov 92 03:50:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: craft.quiglejb.721281038
Organization: Clarkson University
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


 I am interested in any information anyone may have on work being done by
the Air Force.  I am a freshman with an Air Force scholarship and would 
like to pursue VR as a "career", if that's possible.  Specifically
Units, where they are stationed and who I should contact.
                                Thomas Marandola
                                marandta@craft.camp.clarkson.edu
From: D1BQC%CUNYVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: PUBL: VE Report in ACM Comp.Graphics Journal,Aug.1992
Date: 13 Nov 92 06:16:54 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov14.011730.12090
Organization: City University of New York/ University Computer Center
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


Aug.1992,(Vol.26,Number 3) ACM Computer Graphics Journal has a Report on
Virtual Environments (Pgs.153-177). Comp.Graphics is a publication of
ACM's SIGGRAPH. You may find it in a college library.
From: farrar@pogo.cs.umass.edu (Timothy Farrar)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: TECH: Powerglove Diagnostics
Date: 6 Nov 92 19:24:01 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov7.015727.7076
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu




Hello all:

A while back, I attempted to attach my Power Glove to my PC
(according to all of the info floating around on the net). However,
being a software guy, I got a few wires crossed (I know this because
I fried my motherboard :(  ). I am wondering if I fried the Glove
as well.

Does anyone know of a way to test a PowerGlove (other than to hook it
up my PC)? I can't find any more in my area, and I don't want to risk
hurting my PC again if the PowerGlove is dead.


Also, has anyone tried hooking a Power Glove up to a SIX pin k/b connector
(the kind one finds on Tandy or DEC's PCs) I think that it's six: one more than
on a typical PC (and on all of the instructions, as well!). 

Thanks,

Tim Farrar


farrar@cs.umass.edu
From: barchasd@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (David Barchas)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: TECH: Glove problem
Date: 12 Nov 92 03:34:09 GMT
Article-I.D.: mentor.BxL38z.n0r
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu



I got a little problem with my glove, and if this was answered
before(i think it might have) I am sorry but I couldn't find the
answer.

My glove lights up and all, led's flashing histerically.  But in
rend386 it just jumps all over the screen and does not really register
any gestures except fist(on occasion).  Any Ideas.  By the way, I have
been doing all the proper Pglove stuff, like making fists to
calibrate.  I couldn't figure out what the problem was so any info
would be appreciated.

David Barchas (barchasd@mentor.cc.purdue.edu) | "Oops..."
Purdue University - Computer Science          |     Famous last word.
From: jheadley@dvorak.amd.com (James Headley)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: TECH: Curtis Extendo Cables?
Date: 5 Nov 92 19:03:01 GMT
Article-I.D.: dvorak.1992Nov5.190301.13235
Organization: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Austin, Texas
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


In article <1992Nov5.025222.17094@u.washington.edu> fester@parnasus.dell.com (Ge
orge Ludwig) writes:
>
>I've been looking all over for a Curtis Extendo cable so I don't have
>to hack my PG to pieces, but alas I cannot locate this elusive piece
>of cabling. Does anyone have a # for a mail order house where I can
>get one? I've been putting off PG experiments too long (waiting for
>the PGSI box to materialize) and I cannot wait any longer.
>
>George Ludwig
>fester@parnasus.dell.com
>"Reality is the only word in the language that should always be used
>in quotes." - TKK

ditto! (on all points)

James H.

/---------------------------------------------------------------------\
|"Alright, so it's impossible. How long will it take?",  - Forbidden  |
|                                                            Planet   |
>---------------------------------------------------------------------<
| There's a remote possibility that these words are mine but, they are| 
>----------------------------------\   definitely not my employers.   |
|    jheadley@dvorak.amd.com       |                                  |
\__________________________________^----------------------------------/
From: jsct+@andrew.cmu.edu (Joshua Eli Schachter)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: SCI: Vr and Psychology
Date: 7 Nov 92 19:43:35 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov9.215820.10740
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


Excerpts from netnews.sci.virtual-worlds: 3-Nov-92 Re: SCI: Vr and
Psychology by Travis Schluessler@andre 
> I was quite interested by your mention of infants.  Concerning the
> previous topic of balance distortion within VR, wouldn't infants be
> capable of operating within a virtual environment without these
> 'debilitating' effects of loss of balance?  Since balance is a learned
> behavior shoudn't we be able to unlearn these things and operate within
> a virtual environment with no conflict whatsoever?

Well, since infants are indeed born with an inner ear, they do indeed have
the necesary equipment to determine balance. However, their musculature is
not capable of supporting them for walking. They develop balance very
early on, I would assume.

There also have been studies where a child is placed on a table. Below a 
certain age, they will walk off the table (plexiglass was placed there so
it only looked like it wasnt there), but after that age they will not.


.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
:.      These opinions are MINE! MINE! Hear me? They're all MINE!        .:.:
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Chain Mail is highly illegal.It wastes too many resources. Please dont do it.
From: 100022.3014@CompuServe.COM (Jonathan Seah)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: SCI: Direct Neural-Electronic Interfacing
Date: 12 Nov 92 02:05:22 GMT
Article-I.D.: u.1992Nov12.021544.22672
Organization: University of Washington
Originator: hlab@stein.u.washington.edu


****** DIRECT NEURAL - ELECTRONIC INTERFACING *****************************

Greetings all.

Can someone tell me if there's any work being done at the moment on direct
hardware - wetware interfacing techniques? By this I mean methods by which 
VR environments may be manipulated directly by, say, an EEG interpreter
converting stimuli received from skull electrodes; or more surgically
invasive equipment a la Known Space-like 'drouds' or 'jacks'. Re input: is 
there any research being done on the feasibility of intra- ocular scanning 
devices or, more realistically (?), what is the current status of the retinal 
laser scanner I've heard about? And how about vestibular nerve stimulation 
for simulating body displacement? Any info would be greatly appreciated, as 
would any correspondence from anyone interested in this aspect of VR. 
Many thanks!

Jonathan Seah   Internet:       100022.3014@compuserve.com       
                                comm_seah@ccvax.ucd.ie

                CompuServe:     100022,3014

                Fax: 353-1-961127