Poster3D: a system for three-dimensional authoring and presentation in immersive virtual environments

We developed a simple system for three-dimensional (3D) authoring and presentation in immersive virtual reality environments. Our system enables a user to create and edit content both through direct manipulation using hand gestures in an immersive environment, and by using a 2D GUI on a PC desktop. The system also exploits various features of 3D information visualization to produce effective and interactive presentations. In a system trial, users found that the system enhanced their experience. The system helps users create 3D educational materials more easily and learn through the materials with greater interest and motivation. Noritaka Osawa received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in information science from the University of Tokyo in 1983, 1985, and 1988 respectively. After working for a software company and the University of Electro-communications, he has been at the National Institute of Multimedia Education since 1998. He has also been jointly appointed at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies since 2001. He now works for them as a Professor. His current research interests include human–computer interfaces using virtual reality technologies, information visualization, and system software. Sangtae Kim received B.A. degree in Visual Communication from YougIn University, Korea, in 1996, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Design, from the University of Tsukuba, 2001, and 2004, respectively. He is currently an Assistant Professor of the institute of Art and Design, The University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. His research interests include visual communication, dynamic information graphics, multimedia systems, 3DCG, and Web3D technology. He planned for the MDD (Multi-Dynamic Documentation) project in 2003. At present, he is involved in the development of Web3D contents (Interactive Anatomy system) that uses MDD technology.