Effects of information layout,screen size,and field of view on user performance in information‐rich virtual environments

This paper describes our recent experimental evaluation of Information‐Rich Virtual Environment (IRVE) interfaces. To explore the depth cue/visibility tradeoff between annotation schemes, we design and evaluate two information layout techniques to support search and comparison tasks. The techniques provide different depth and association cues between objects and their labels: labels were displayed either in the virtual world relative to their referent (Object Space) or on an image plane workspace (Viewport Space). The Software Field of View (SFOV) was controlled to 60° or 100° of vertical angle and two groups were tested: those running on a single monitor and those on a tiled nine‐panel display. Users were timed, tracked for correctness, and gave ratings for both difficulty and satisfaction on each task. Significant advantages were found for the Viewport interface, and for high SFOV. The interactions between these variables suggest special design considerations to effectively support search and comparison performance across monitor configurations and projection distortions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvement strategies for the tools and techniques of quality improvement: Utilization of a performance evaluation matrix in the taiwanese high‐tech industry

This study integrates importance–performance analysis (IPA) and Slack's IPA matrix to provide a more comprehensive performance‐evaluation matrix for prioritizing improvement actions with regard to the tools and techniques of quality improvement. The study undertakes a review of the literature to identify the tools and techniques most widely used by high‐tech businesses in Taiwan. Following a survey of 394 managers and technicians, these tools and techniques are then placed on the integrated performance‐evaluation matrix to determine appropriate priorities for improvement actions. The study finds that “new seven” total quality management tools are used less often than “old seven” total quality management tools, and that education, training, and the efficient use of corporate resources are required to improve the frequency of utilization and the performance of the tools and techniques of quality improvement. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Average power‐handling capability of the signal line in coplanar waveguides on polyimide and GaAs substrates including the irregular line edge shape effects

The average power‐handling capability (APHC) of the signal line in finite‐ground coplanar waveguides (FGCPWs) on polyimide and GaAs substrates is evaluated in this paper. In our approach, the ohmic loss of metal lines is characterized in different ways, and the effects of an irregular edge shape are also considered. The rise in temperature of the signal line is determined by single‐ and double‐layer thermal models, with the temperature‐dependent properties of the thermal conductivity of GaAs material treated appropriately. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the overall effects of signal‐line width, thickness, conductivity, edge‐shape angle, and polyimide thickness on APHC. Some possible ways to enhance the APHC of these FGCPWs are also proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.