From R.Hollands@sheffield.ac.ukMon Nov 14 16:31:25 1994 Date: Mon, 25 Apr 94 15:01:04 +0100 From: R Hollands To: scivw@hitl.washington.edu Subject: VR Applications Conference Email Programme and Booking Form Subject: "VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS" International Conference, sponsored by the BCS 7-9 June 1994, Weetwood Hall Conference Centre, Leeds, UK A major International Conference on "Virtual Reality Applications" sponsored by the BCS will be held at Weetwood Hall Conference Centre, Otley Road, Lawnswood, Leeds, on 7-9 June. The Tutorial will be on the 7th and the Conference 8-9 June. Given the strategic importance of VR to a wide range of developments in industry and academia, this Conference affords a unique opportunity to obtain an update from international speakers on the state of the art in the field and its implications for the future. Invited Speakers at the International Conference include - Mr Steve Bryson (CSC/NASA Ames research Center, USA) Prof Steve Feiner (Columbia University, USA) Mr Mel Slater (Queen Mary and Westfield College, UK) Prof Daniel Thalmann (EPFL, Switzerland) Col Rick Satava (Biomedical Technology, DoD, USA) Dr Clare Regan (Army Personnel Research Establishment, UK) The Conference Reception will be held on the evening of 8 June. Invited Speakers at the International Tutorial include - Mr Steve Bryson (CSC/NASA Ames research Center, USA) Prof Steve Feiner (Columbia University, USA) Topics include overview of VR, hardware, software, and applications. Access to Leeds The venue is close to Leeds/Bradford airport which has regular shuttle flights to London and to principal European cities. Leeds also has good rail and road links to other parts of the country. The venue is about 2 miles from the airport and 4 miles from the railway station. The Conference Centre is a newly converted Jacobean residence in the green belt on the outskirts of Leeds close to the Ring Road. It is self-contained with full business facilities and a 4 star hotel with 108 rooms with full en-suite facilities. The Conference Auditorium has state-of-the-art audio/visual facilities. H. Jones J. A. Vince R. A. Earnshaw ______________________________________________________________________________ Subject: "Virtual Reality Applications" International Conference, sponsored by the BCS 7-9 June 1994, Weetwood Hall Conference Centre, Leeds, UK Email version of the Brochure and Booking Form International State of the Art Tutorial and Conference "VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS" Weetwood Hall Conference Centre and Hotel, Leeds, UK 7-9 June 1994 Co-Chairs: Mr Huw Jones, Middlesex University, UK Prof John A. Vince, Hughes Rediffusion Simulation Ltd, UK Dr Rae A. Earnshaw, University of Leeds, UK Co-sponsored by the Computer Graphics Society, and the Virtual Reality Society. PRE-CONFERENCE TUTORIAL Tuesday 7 June 1994, 9.30 am to 6.00 pm "VIRTUAL REALITY AND ITS APPLICATIONS" Mr Steve Bryson, CSC/NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, USA Prof Steve Feiner, Columbia University, USA Course Description This course will survey the theory and development of virtual reality systems. These techniques encompass a variety of hardware and software technologies and allow natural display and control in three-dimensional interactive environments. The Course will include the the following modules: 1. Introduction 2. Interface Technology for VR 3. Human Factors or VR Systems 4. Performance Issue of VR Systems 5. Architectures 6. Applications and Case Studies Virtual Wind Tunnel, Virtual Spacetime, n-Vision, AutoVisual, Grope, Nanomanipulator, Augmented Reality, Hybrid User Interfaces, Karma Full course notes will be provided for the Course containing copies of all overheads and written notes and papers. Who should Attend? This course is for those who are interested in the fundamentals of VR systems and their applications. Familiarity with three-dimensional computer graphics will be assumed. No previous experience with virtual reality technology will be necessary. Lecturers Steve Bryson is an employee of Computer Sciences Corporation working under contract for the Applied Research office of the Numerical Aerodynamics Simulation Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center. He was involved in the pioneering work in developing the Virtual Wind Tunnel used for studying the behaviour of aircraft (i.e. computational fluid dynamics). Steve Feiner is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University and is a co-author (with J. D. Foley, A. van Dam, and J. F. Hughes) of the well-known graphics text book "Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice". His work is in human-computer interfaces and knowledge-based augmented reality. Conference Wednesday 8 June 1994 9.15 - 9.20 Chairman's Introduction 9.20 - 10.20 Mr Steve Bryson (NASA Ames Research Center/CSC, USA) KEYNOTE SPEAKER "Approaches to the Successful Design and Implementation of VR Applications" 10.20 - 10.40 Dr Wayne Lawton, Dr Timothy Poston and Dr Luis Serra (National University of Singapore) "Calibration and Coordination in a Medical Virtual Workbench" 10.40 - 11.00 Coffee 11.00 - 11.30 Prof Tom DeFanti, (University of Illinois at Chicago), Mr Jason Leigh (California Institute of Technology, USA) "Virtual Reality in Computational Neuroscience" 11.30 - 12.00 Prof Peter Dew, M. Fa, et. al. (University of Leeds, UK) "Constraint Based 3D Manipulation Techniques for Virtual Environments" 12.00 - 12.30 Dr Klaus Bohm, Hanno Wirth (FhG, IGD, Darmstadt, Germany) "MuSE: Using Virtual Reality in System Development and Validation" 12.30 - 14.00 Lunch 13.45 - 14.00 AGM of BCS Computer Graphics & Displays Group 14.00 - 14.50 Mr Mel Slater (Queen Mary & Westfield College, UK) KEYNOTE SPEAKER "Modelling in VR Environments" 14.50 - 15.20 Dr Ralph Schroeder (Brunel University, UK) "Worlds in Cyberspace: A Typology of Virtual Realities and their Social Contexts" 15.20 - 15.40 Tea 15.40 - 16.10 Dr Robert R. Dickinson (President, DataSpace Insight Inc, Canada), Dr Mikael Jern (Vice-President, AVS/Uniras, Denmark) "A Unified Approch to Addressing Limitations of Desktop Data Visualization and Virtual Environments" 16.10 - 16.40 Dr Stephen Whalley, Paul Rea (British Telecom Labs Ltd, UK) "Systems Structure Visualization" 16.40 - 17.10 Mr M. Walshe (Virtuality Entertainment Ltd, UK) "Entertainment in Virtuality" 17.10 - 18.00 Break and Exhibition 18.00 - 18.50 Dr Clare Regan and Dr J. Anderson (Army Personnel Research Establishment, UK) "Some Human Factors Research and Issues in VR" 18.50 - 19.20 Narcis and Roc Pares Burgues (Barcelona, Spain) "Galeria Virtual: a Platform for Non Limitation in Contemporary Art" 19.20 - 19.50 Prof Norman Badler, Prof J. Granieri (University of Pennsylvania, USA) "Simulating Humans in Virtual Reality" 19.50 - 20.15 Break and Exhibition 20.15 - Reception sponsored by Silicon Graphics Ltd Conference Thursday 9 June 1994 8.55 - 9.00 Chairman's Introduction 9.00 - 9.50 Prof Daniel Thalmann (EPFL, Switzerland) KEYNOTE SPEAKER "Virtual Humans in Virtual Reality" 9.50 - 10.40 Col Rick Satava MD (Biomedical Technology, DoD, USA) "Robotics, Telepresence and VR: A Critical Analysis of the Future of Surgery" 10.40 - 11.00 Coffee 11.00 - 11.30 Prof G. C. Fox, Prof W Furmanski et. al. (Syracuse University, USA) "Implementing Televirtuality" 11.30 - 12.00 Lennart Fahlen et. al. (Swedish Institute of Computer Science) "Collaborative Work in Synthetic Environments" 12.00 - 12.30 Dr David Brown et. al. (University of Nottingham, UK) "Learning in Virtual Environments (LIVE): Developments in special needs and mainstream education" 12.30 - 14.00 Lunch 14.00 - 14.50 Prof Steve Feiner (Columbia University, USA) KEYNOTE SPEAKER "Knowledge-Based Virtual Worlds and Augmented Reality" 14.50 - 15.20 Mr C. Grimsdale, Mr Michael Rygol et al (Division Ltd, UK) "Tools and Metaphors for User Interacton in Virtual Environments" 15.20 - 15.50 Tea 15.50 - 16.20 Mr Ian Capon, Peter Williams (Virtual 'S' Ltd, UK) "The World's First Virtual Reality Production Studio" 16.20 - 16.50 Dr Vaughan Stanger, Steve Benford (GEC and University of Nottingham, UK) "Virtuosi - Support for Virtual Organisations" 16.50 - 17.20 Mr C. Longhurst (Hughes Rediffusion Simulation Ltd, UK) "Event Driven Visual Effects in Flight Simulation Virtual Environments" 17.20 - 17.30 General Discussion, Close SUMMARY OF CONFERENCE Description of the Conference and the Significance of Virtual Reality and its Applications Virtual Reality tools and techniques are being rapidly exploited in the scientific, engineering and medical areas. Virtual Environments are 3D computer generated worlds which accurately model and simulate an actual environment, whether it be a physical structure or an aggregration of different kinds of data. The rapid emergence of broadband networks, along with appropriate computer hardware and software has enabled data and environments at different physical locations to be shared between scientists. Telematics can be used to facilitate the management of resources, the processing and communication of data and the implementation of surveillance and alert programmes. VR is commonly associated with exotic immersive applications because of the over dramatised coverage in the popular press with helmets, body suits, entertainment simulators and so on. Equally important are non-immersive applications where the user, or operator, is allowed to interact effectively with 'virtual' data, either locally, or remotely. Governments and funding bodies are currently assessing their investments in the area. Given the strategic importance of this topic to a wide range of applications and developments, this Conference affords a unique opportunity to obtain an update from international speakers on the state of the art in the field and its implications for the future. ADMINISTRATION Advance registration is required. Registration rates are given below. The Registration Fee covers administration, overseas speakers' travel, coffees, teas, lunches, proceedings, and also enables us to cover the costs of the hire of the venue and facilities. Delegates can obtain hotel accommodation at the Conference venue. The hotel has excellent facilities and rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There are 108 rooms. Delegates must make their own reservations direct with Weetwood Hall (Tel: 0532-306000, from outside the UK dial 44-532-306000, Fax: 0532-306095). Delegates are responsible for paying their own bills for their rooms. The Conference Registration rate includes teas, coffees, lunches, and the Reception, but not breakfasts, evening meals, or overnight accommodation. Other hotels are also available in the area - please contact the Conference Secretariat for more information. IN VIEW OF THE TOPICAL NATURE OF THE SUBJECT AND THE LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES, YOU ARE ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY to avoid disappointment. Delegates can apply for either or both days, but there is a discount for both days. In the event of all places being taken up, priority will be given to delegates requiring both days. Please note that payment (see Booking Form below) should accompany the Booking Form. Alternatively, you can submit a purchase order or ask for an Invoice to be sent to you. Places will be allocated in the order of receipt of payment. Cancellations can be accepted only if received in writing not later than 7 days before the Conference, but substitution can be made at any time. The Committee reserve the right to make programme changes without notice, if required. _________________________________________________________________________ Please note that e-mail bookings cannot be accepted due to the requirement for payment to accompany the Booking Form. You should print out this form on your printer and return it with your payment by fax or ordinary mail. BOOKING FORM "VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS" 7-9 June 1994 Name _______________________________________ Organisation _______________________________ Address for correspondence ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Telephone No _______________________________ Fax No _____________________________________ Email ______________________________________ Please register me for (Circle your requirements - you can take any combination of the Conference Days and/or Tutorial Day) - DAY 1 (Tutorial) DAY 2 (Conference) DAY 3 (Conference) Applicable Rate (Circle your requirements - All rates are in pounds sterling (#). SINGLE DAY TWO DAYS BCS Non- BCS Non- Members Members Members Members Pre-Conference Tutorial #95 #125 [ ] Industrial/Commercial Rate - Conf #95 #110 #160 #190 [ ] Higher Education/Academic Rate - Conf #85 #100 #140 #170 [ ] ______ TOTAL ______ (Rates for full-time students on application to the Secretariat - see below). If claiming the lower rate, please supply BCS Membership No................. Please make all cheques payable to "BCS DISPLAYS GROUP". Payments or purchase orders MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE BOOKING. Delegates from overseas should purchase a sterling bank draft from their bank. Cheques in foreign currency or Eurocheques will NOT be accepted due to high conversion costs charged on them in the United Kingdom. Please return this Booking Form and Payment (by Airmail if from overseas) to - Conference Secretariat Tel: 0532-336100, 0532-336103 Conference Office Intl: 44-532-336100 University of Leeds Fax: 0532-336107 LEEDS LS2 9JT U. K. Early application is advised. BCS VAT No: 440 3490 76 (the above fees include VAT at the current rate) ______________________________________________________________________________