From @uga.cc.uga.edu:owner-virtu-l@VMD.CSO.UIUC.EDU Sun Oct 16 18:52:31 1994 Return-Path: <@uga.cc.uga.edu:owner-virtu-l@VMD.CSO.UIUC.EDU> Received: from mx5.u.washington.edu by stein2.u.washington.edu (5.65+UW94.4/UW-NDC Revision: 2.30 ) id AA09394; Sun, 16 Oct 94 18:52:31 -0700 Received: from uga.cc.uga.edu by mx5.u.washington.edu (5.65+UW94.9/UW-NDC Revision: 2.30 ) id AA11299; Sun, 16 Oct 94 18:52:25 -0700 Message-Id: <9410170152.AA11299@mx5.u.washington.edu> Received: from UGA.CC.UGA.EDU by uga.cc.uga.edu (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 7624; Sun, 16 Oct 94 21:53:34 EDT Received: from UGA.CC.UGA.EDU (NJE origin LISTSERV@UGA) by UGA.CC.UGA.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 6516; Sun, 16 Oct 1994 21:53:34 -0400 Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 18:52:03 -0700 Reply-To: Linda Jacobson Sender: "VR / sci.virtual-worlds" From: Linda Jacobson Subject: CONF: AUSI-VR'94, Melbourne, 25-27 October Comments: To: virtu-l@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu To: Multiple recipients of list VIRTU-L Status: OR AUSI-VR'94 The First Australian International Virtual Reality Conference World Congress Centre Melbourne October 25-27th 1994 Virtual Reality (VR) has grown in recent years into a dynamic, highly interdisciplinary field of research, development and applications activity. It is already revolutionising our experience of electronic information. Over the next few years it will have a major impact on such areas as professional and industrial training, education, aerospace, art, medicine, simulation, computer-aided design, retailing, defence and security and in creating a new generation of interfaces for users of large multimedia databases. AUSI-VR'94 will address the needs of both the specialist and non-specialist audience. The emphasis will be on demystifying VR so that we can easily grasp what it is, how it is developing and the uses to which it can be put. It will focus on the key human, technological and commercial factors determining the pace and direction of developments in VR, as well as dealing with the application of VR, illustrating and assessing the wide range of ways the technology can be put to work. The Conference Objectives are:- ~ To provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art in VR. ~ To further academic and scholarly discourse in the field of VR. ~ To demonstrate VR technology and potential to as many people as possible. ~ To underscore discourse, speculation and debate. ~ To provide a balanced roster of speakers and presentations that will appeal both to those new to VR, and those active in VR. ~ To present information useful to both research specialists and those seeking complete applications. The Conference is hosted by Integra Australia, a leading software company specialising in real-time and visualisation systems. They are also involved in developing VR applications and distributing VR technology. Integra is closely associated with Australian research organisations in the VR and visualisation field, as well as being distributors in Australia and SE Asia for a number of leading international VR companies. AUSI-VR'94 runs from October 25 to 27 1994, consisting of a three day Conference which includes Keynote addresses by distinguished visitors from overseas. The panels and workshops are to enable small groups of practitioners to discuss the current state of the art and future directions of research products and applications of VR, as well as providing "hands-on" sessions. In association with the Conference, the AUSI-VR'94 Exhibition represents a unique opportunity for overseas suppliers and vendors to open up new markets in VR technology and applications for this region. VR research is being conducted throughout Australia and the commercial markets are now opening up for applications of this technology in areas such as Heavy Engineering, Mining, Defence and Medical Imaging. Australia is a gate-way to the enormous and booming potential markets for the lucrative SE Asian area. The Exhibition will run concurrently with the Conference and will provide exposure for delegates as well as exposure of VR to the general public. Commercial as well as entertainment exhibits of VR will be featured. This event represents the inaugural Conference of VR in Australia, and will serve as the catalyst for bringing this powerful new computer user-interface technology to this part of the world. Committee --------- Dr Walter Greenleaf (Chairman) - Director (Greenleaf Medical Systems) Mr Alan Yates (Host) - Managing Director (Integra Australia Pty Ltd) Mr Roger Farrell - Consultant (Integra Australia Pty Ltd) Dr Stephen Mabbs - State Manager, Victoria (Integra Australia Pty Ltd) Contact Information ------------------- Conference Secretariat Ms Natalie Hall ~ Convention Manager, Impulse Convention and Exhibition Management PO Box 1145 Cowandilla South Australia 5033 Telephone: (08) 234 1145 Facsimile: (08) 234 1148 Trade Exhibition Management, Mrs Sandy Clark ~ Director Impulse Exhibitions and Display PO Box 1145 Cowandilla South Australia 5033 Telephone: (08) 234 1145 Facsimile: (08) 234 1148 The Host. Mr Alan Yates ~ Managing Director Integra Australia Pty Ltd Innovation House First Avenue Technology Park South Australia 5095 Telephone: (08) 260 8972 Facsimile: (08) 349 6566 ACN 008 267 472 E-Mail: Alan@integra.com.au General Information ------------------- Venue ----- The Conference and Exhibition will be held at the World Congress Centre (corner Spencer and Flinders Streets), which is situated in the heart of Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River. The World Congress Centre has an on-going commitment to excellence and incorporates every facility needed for conferences and exhibitions. Completely integrated with the World Congress Centre is the Conference hotel, Centra Melbourne on the Yarra. Also located under the same roof is the newly completed Melbourne Casino. Climate and Clothing -------------------- October is spring in Melbourne and you can expect the weather to be pleasant. The average maximum is between 17 - 20 degrees celsius. Bring some warm clothes, especially for the evening. Language -------- English is the official conference language and will be spoken throughout the event. Disclaimer ---------- Every effort has been made to present, as accurately as possible, all the information contained in this document. The organising committee, Integra Australia Pty Ltd, Impulse Convention and Exhibition Management and any other associated persons or companies (including sponsors) involved in the management of this event will not be held responsible for any changes in the structure or content of the program, exhibition, information published. The organising committee reserves the right to change any or all of the program. Liability --------- In the event of industrial disruption, the conference organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates. TRADE EXHIBITION ---------------- The Trade Exhibition will run concurrently with the Conference and major ~hands on~ exposure at dedicated times for delegates has been planned, as well as exposure to the general public. Commercial as well as entertainment exhibits of VR will be featured and media coverage will be given to the Exhibition. The Exhibition will be held on the Bellarine banquet floor in Bellarine 7. Delegates will be admitted to the exhibition free of charge. PUBLIC EXHIBITION ----------------- During the evening, on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 October, the Exhibition will be open to the general public from 5pm to 10pm. The following charges will be applicable for the public Exhibition: Children and concession holders $10 per head and $15 per head for adults. In addition to the general exhibits showing some of the latest VR systems technology, the public will have the opportunity to experience in Bellarine 6, an Electronic Theatre featuring entertainment and education in a holistic and fun-orientated space. Two separate theatres will feature coloured robotic lighting, fantastic colours and patterns projected on to the walls and ceilings while two main screens feature the latest computer graphics. The theatre will also incorporate 3D acoustic holograms. AUSI-VR'94 PROGRAM ------------------ Tuesday 25th October 1994 ------------------------- 0830-0900 AUSI-VR'94 Opening Address Mr Alan Yates, Integra Australia 0915-1700 Workshops Commence 0915-0945 Keynote Speaker - Overview of Virtual Reality Dr Walter Greenleaf, Greenleaf Medical Systems 0945-1045 TeleConference 1045-1115 Morning Tea 1115-1215 Garage VR Linda Jacobson 1215-1315 Overview of VR Technology Prof Grigore Burdea, Rutgers University 1315 EXHIBITION OPENS 1315-2200 1315-1415 Lunch 1415-1500 VR - Developing Safe, Secure Systems: A Defence Perspective Mr William MacCallum, The Australian Defence Department 1500-1600 Perceptual Issues in VR Dr Thomas Piantanida, SRI International 1600-1630 Afternoon Tea 1630-1700 The Electronic Immersive Learning of the Future Dr Terry Guthridge, University of Melbourne 1830-2030 Welcome Cocktail Party Wednesday 26th October 1994 --------------------------- 0830-0930 Rehabilitation Ergonomics & Training with VR Dr Walter Greenleaf, Greenleaf Medical Systems 1000 EXHIBITION OPENS 1000-2200 0930-1030 Virtual Reality & Medical Education: Integrating Extant and Emerging Technologies Dr Helene Hoffman, USCD 1030-1100 Morning Tea 1100-1200 The Operating Room of the Future Dr Faina Shtern, National Cancer Institute 1200-1300 Lunch 1300-1345 Entertainment & VR Mr Martin Blackmore, The Virtual Reality Corporation 1345-1445 Open Forum 1445-1515 Afternoon Tea 1515-1615 NPSNET: A Network Software Architecture for Large Scale Virtual Environments Prof Mike Zyda, US Naval Postgraduate School 1615-1700 An Overview of the VR Industry ~ The Worlds of VR Thursday 27th October 1994 -------------------------- 0830-0930 Keynote Speaker: How can Virtual Reality be a Useful and Practical Medium for Designers? Mr Michael Gigante, RMIT 0930-1030 International Collaboration in VR Research Dr Peter Clark, AMRL Melbourne 1000 EXHIBITION OPENS 1000-18000 1030-1100 Morning Tea 1100-1200 Surgery 2001: A Framework for Future Technology in Surgery Col Richard Satava, Walter Reed Medical Centre 1200-1300 Computer Systems used in VR Dr Greg Newby, University of Illinois 1300-1400 Lunch 1400-1500 Force & Tactile Feedback in VR Prof Grigore Burdea, Rutgers University 1500-1530 Afternoon Tea 1530-1615 Digital Dentistry - Virtual Reality in Orthodontics Dr Michael Snow, Sydney University 1615-1730 Closing Address and Award Presentations Exhibition Closes 1800 CURRICULUM VITAE ------------------------------ Alan Yates BE ------------ In his position of Managing Director of Integra Australia Pty Ltd, Mr Yates leads a dedicated team of professionals in defence contracts, software development and integration. Integra is currently active in Australia in the visualisation and image processing fields and is a value-added reseller for several Virtual Reality products. At SIGGRAPH 94 in Orlando Florida, Mr Yates successfully promoted a new Virtual Reality product developed by Integra, called "Reality +". As the host for AUSI-VR '94 Integra aims to promote Virtual Reality as a viable business in the Australian and SE Asian Region. Mr Yates believes that Australia is a ~clever country~ and Integra will make a significant contribution in the development of Virtual Reality products for the international community. Walter J Greenleaf PhD ---------------------- Walter Greenleaf, PhD, is a leading spokesperson advocating the use of Virtual Reality in medical applications. A featured speaker at numerous Virtual Reality Conferences and symposia, Dr Greenleaf has been instrumental in bringing to the attention of the medical market, the media and the public the vast potential of VR medical applications for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, for exploring a range of rehabilitation opportunities, and for revolutionising the design and capabilities of surgical work rooms. Dr Greenleaf, president and founder of Greenleaf Medical Systems, is a research scientist trained in Neuro and Behavioural Sciences at Stanford University. Prior to founding Greenleaf Medical, he established Greenleaf Science Corporation in Palo Alto, California a company which successfully developed, manufactured and marketed real-time physiological data-analysis software for monitoring clinical sleep disorders. Linda Jacobson -------------- Linda Jacobson is a journalist and consultant who specialises in explaining emerging technologies in communications, art and entertainment. She is the author of Garage Virtual Reality: The Affordable Way To Explore Virtual Worlds (Sams, 1994) and editor of CyberArts: Exploring Art & Technology (1992). Previously Virtual Worlds Editor at Wired magazine, Linda currently works as an editor of a new publication, Computer Life (which premieres in October). Linda is the co-founder of the nonprofit Virtual Reality Educational Foundation Inc, a speaker at many high-tech industry conferences, and a performance artist with the techno-tribal world funk music ensemble, D'Cuckoo.. William A MacCallum ------------------- Bill MacCallum has had a broad career working for the UK and Australian Governments and private industry. He joined the Australian Department of Defence in 1980 and became Director of Technical Security in 1990. In addition to his general duties of managing the Directorate, Bill also represents the Department on technical security policy matters in the international arena. He was responsible for initiating the founding of a four nation (America, Britain, Canada, Australia) Defence Information Technology Security Working Group, to focus on common security standards and the development of information system policy, standards and procedures for secure information system interoperability. Thomas P Piantanida PhD ----------------------- Dr Piantanida, Principal Scientist in the Virtual Perception Program at SRI International, has a BA in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, an MA in Psychology from the University of South Florida, and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Texas. Dr Piantanida joined SRI in 1977 as a Research Scientist, where he conducted research in human visual perception, particularly in color vision, color vision genetics, stereopsis, stabilised retinal images, and the filling-in mechanism. Since establishing the Virtual Perception Program at SRI, Dr Piantanida has conducted research into the sensory and perceptual requirements of virtual-reality systems and has developed biomedical, training, and architectural applications of virtual-reality. He was principle investigator on a project to develop a simulation system based on virtual-environment technology for a major railroad, and he has researched the perceptual issues associated with a home virtual-reality system for a major producer of electronic games. Terry Guthridge BA, BEd, MEd ---------------------------- Mr Terry Guthridge is a Senior Lecturer in Information and Communications Technology at the School of Technology Education at the University of Melbourne. He is the co-ordinator of the Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology Education. He has recently developed a unit in Virtual Reality at Masters level for the University of Melbourne and is researching his special interest of Virtual Reality Applications in education and training, specifically the Virtual University. Apart from his expertise in information and communications technology, Mr Guthridge has an extensive, prestigious television production background, winning a Penguin Award for his work in television production in 1987. He has just completed an hour documentary on Information Technology and is working on a number of follow up documentaries and a CD ROM in the areas of Virtual Reality and Cyberspace. Mr Guthridge~s combined expertise in television production, information technology and education gives him a distinct advantage researching the educational and training applications of Virtual Reality. Helene M Hoffman PhD -------------------- Dr Hoffman is the Director of the Learning Resources Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). She leads the School of Medicine~s Instructional Development Unit including multimedia consultation and development services, software evaluation and testing, and R & D of advance systems for medical education. Dr Hoffman received her PhD from UCSD in Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology and was a Postdoctoral Fellow in Biophysics at UCSD and the University of Vermont. Martin G Blackmore AFAMI ------------------------ Formed in January 1992, The Virtual Reality Corporation is one of Australia~s leading specialists in VR technology. It distributes virtual world~s entertainment and development systems, Superscape VR software, and develops VR applications in real-time and visualisation systems for architectural, financial, entertainment and promotional markets on a number of platforms. Martin Blackmore comes from eighteen years of sales and marketing in the entertainment industry, primarily in the recorded music and video markets, prior to becoming involved in Virtual Reality. Dr Faina Shtern --------------- Dr Shtern received her medical degree in 1978, and after emigrating to the United States served as a medical intern until 1984. Dr Shtern spent 6 years at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, first as a Fellow in Nuclear Medicine and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and later, as a junior faculty member. In late 1989 Dr Shtern was invited to serve as Chief of Diagnostic Imaging Research, a branch of the National Cancer Institute. Since early 1992 Dr Shtern has served as Chair of the Diagnostic Research Coordinating Committee of the National Institute of Health. Professor Michael J Zyda ------------------------ Professor Zyda's main focus in research is in the area of computer graphics, specifically the development of large-scale, networked 3D virtual environments and visual simulation systems. Michael Zyda is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science. He has been at the Naval Postgraduate School since February of 1984. Professor Zyda is the chair of the Computer Generation Technology Group of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Virtual Reality Research and Development. Michael Gigante BE (Aeronautical) --------------------------------- Michael Gigante joined RMIT in 1985 as a researcher in CAD/CAM where he developed an active computer graphics program within the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering. In 1989, he founded the RMIT Computer Graphics Centre. Under his leadership the centre was Australia~s leading research group in Real-Time Interactive Computer Graphics and Virtual Reality. Michael is recognised as one of Australia's leading experts in Computer Graphics and the leading authority on Virtual Reality. He has over 12 years of graphics programming experience, particularly in high-performance interactive applications. He has been active in Virtual Reality since 1990, developing new techniques for multi-person interaction, modelling, display and the application of VR to design. Michael is co-author of the 1992 Academic Press book ~Virtual Reality Systems~, was co-chair of an International conference on VR held in London, and co-chair of the conference Computer Graphics International held recently in Melbourne. Dr Peter Clark PhD ------------------ Dr Clark completed his doctorate in the field of nuclear physics at the Australian National University in 1981. He joined the Defence Department in Canberra, working as a Research Scientist in the field of Operations Research. In 1989 he undertook a posting as Scientific Adviser to Army~s Headquarters Training Command based in Sydney. During his five years in this position, Dr Clark had the duty to inform the Army with respect to new technologies which might assist Army Training. One such technology was Virtual Reality. During this period, Dr Clark became the Australian National Leader, and subsequently the Panel Chairman, of an International Defence Technical Group dealing with Training Technology. The subject of Virtual Reality has become a key collaborative issue amongst the five nations involved; Australia, USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand. Dr Clark is now employed as a Senior Research Scientist with the Aeronautical and Maritime Research Laboratory in Melbourne, where fundamental research into simulation is being conducted. Colonel Richard M Satava ------------------------ Col Richard Satava, MD FACS, is a practicing clinical and research general surgeon in the US Army Medical Corps. He is currently assigned to General Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre and to research at the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). He has been continuously active in surgical education and surgical research with over 75 publications and book chapters in diverse areas of advanced surgical technology to include Surgery in the Space Environment, Video and 3-D imaging, Telepresence Surgery and the Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator. While striving to practice the complete discipline of surgery, he is aggressively pursuing the leading edge of advanced technologies to formulate the next generation of surgery ~ SURGERY: 2001. Gregory B Newby PhD ------------------- Dr Newby is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). When at Syracuse, Dr Newby developed a VR laboratory environment based on the Mattel Powerglove, Amiga microcomputers and SGI workstations. When he moved to Urbana-Champaign in 1991, his skills and interests led to involvement with the VR environment being set up at that time in NCSA. Dr Newby has worked with a full range of high-end commercial VR equipment to produce environments for visual navigation through information space, gesture recognition and other application areas. Grigore Burdea PhD ------------------ Dr Burdea is Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Principal Investigator of the Human-Machine Interface Laboratory at Rutgers University. He has numerous publications on VR simulations including the recent book "Virtual Reality Technology" (John Wiley and Sons, 1994). Dr Burdea is co-editor of the upcoming book "Computer Integrated Surgery" (MIT Press) and on the Editorial Board of "IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation" and of "Virtual Reality Systems Magazine". He is Senior Member of IEEE, Member of ASME and the New York Academy of Sciences. Michael Snow PhD ---------------- Dr Snow, BDSc (Honours), MDSc, LDS, is a dental specialist with a clinical, research and teaching career of more than 20 years in the study and practice of Dentistry; with a primary focus on Craniofacial biology and anomalies, human growth and development studies, dental occlusion and its treatment with Orthodontics biomechanics. Dr Snow was appointed Senior Orthodontist at Perth Dental Hospital by Professor William Proffit. Professor Proffit was an Assistant Professor and Consultant Orthodontic specialist in the Orthodontic, Advanced General Dentistry, and Dentofacial Programs (Orthognathic Surgery) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill USA 1986-88. ============================== REGISTERING FOR THE CONFERENCE ============================== Those who wish to attend the conference should fill in the enclosed registration form and return it to the Conference Secretariat by 30th September to be eligible for the reduced fees. Registratation forms will be processed when accompanied by full payment. Please read this booklet carefully before completing your registration form. Registration Fees (AUS$) ----------------- Full Registrant $740.00 Daily Registrant $375.00) Corporate Registration $650.00 (4 registering at the same time) Students (Full)* $540.00 Students (Daily)* $275.00 *Students registrations must be accompanied by written authorisation from the Head of the Department stating that the delegate is a full time student. Entitlements of full registrants are: ~ Attendance at all conference sessions (excluding workshops) ~ Conference satchel ~ Lunches ~ Morning and Afternoon teas ~ Cocktail Party Registration and Payment ------------------------ Each delegate must complete the enclosed registration form (or photocopy) and return it complete with payment to the conference secretariat by 30th September to be eligible for the reduced fees. For registration of groups by a corporation or organisation, please complete one form for a minimum of 4 persons. Payment of registration fees and other fees must be made in Australian dollars by bank draft, cheque or credit card payable to ~Ausi-VR ~94 Conference~. Registration and other fees must be accompanied by the completed registration form. Do not send payment separately.. Registering for the conference by facsimile is only acceptable if a credit card transaction is indicated. Registrations received after 21st October will be processed on site. Cancellation Policy ------------------- Cancellations must made in writing to the conference secretariat. Refunds for cancellations after 7th October will only be made in exceptional circumstances. If for reasons beyond the control of the organisers, the conference were to be cancelled, registration fees would be refunded after deduction of administration expenses. Acknowledgment of Registration ------------------------------- Confirmation of your registration will be issued upon receipt of your completed registration form and fees. A letter will be sent confirming your requirements, according to your registration form. Please check that your confirmation letter is correct, and inform the conference secretariat of any discrepancies immediately. Accommodation ------------- All hotels listed have reserved rooms with a special rate for delegates requiring accommodation. Please note that the rates listed on the registration form are for room only and do not include breakfast. Booking Details and Required Deposit ------------------------------------ Delegates are requested to include one night~s accommodation as a deposit. Every effort will be made to secure your chosen hotel. Please mark your arrival and departure dates and choice of hotel on the registration form. Confirmation of your booking will be sent to you by the conference secretariat. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. RESERVATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY ONE NIGHT'S ACCOMMODATION Arrival and Departure at your Hotel ---------------------------------- Check in times at most hotels is 2.00 pm. Immediate occupancy cannot be guaranteed before this time. If you are arriving prior to this time, we recommend you book your room the day before. Please notify the conference secretariat if you are arriving at your hotel after 6.00 pm. Failure to do so may mean cancellation of your room. Airfares -------- The organising committee has appointed Ansett Australia as the official conference airline. Ansett Australia is pleased to be able to offer delegates travelling to Melbourne for the conference special discounted rates. Please complete section (F) on the registration form and return to the conference secretariat for confirmation of your requested flights. Tours ----- Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to receive further information on tours available in Melbourne and Australia. Social Event ------------ Welcome Cocktail Party To be held on Tuesday, 25th October at 6.30 pm. This informal evening will give you a chance to renew old acquaintances and form new ones. A great chance to savour Australia~s best food and wine. The cost is included with your registration fees. You can purchase extra tickets for family and friends at $40. Please indicate on section (C) if you will be attending, as tickets will not be issued unless requested. FOR FULL AUSI-VR PROGRAM AND OTHER INFORMATION, E-MAIL: Alan@integra.com.au