Interdisciplinary Visualization and Interactive Computing

Daniel Keefe

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Visualization Research Lab
Brown University

Abstract

From scientific uses of large-format stereoscopic displays to the recent computer gaming success story of the Nintendo Wii Remote, new visual and interactive computing technologies are changing the way we approach science, medicine, and social interactions. In this talk, I will present research designed to advance visualization and interaction using 3D computer tools. A limiting factor in use of this technology in science, 3D design, and interactive computer games is the current lack of precision and accuracy in 3D input. I will present a toolset of new, 3D input strategies, called Drawing on Air, that successfully address this limitation. Additionally, I will present quantitative evaluations and models of human-machine performance that lead to better understandings of spatial computer input. Effectively combining these interactive capabilities with carefully designed real-time graphical displays will be an important challenge in future computer applications ranging from large-scale scientific visualization to engaging interactive computer games. Collaborations with scientists (biologists, orthopedists, and engineers) have driven my recent work in this area. I will describe this ongoing multi-disciplinary research, including projects in 3D motion tracking from high-speed X-Ray movies collected in biomechanical experiments and new interactive visualization techniques for analysis of 3D motion capture data.

Speaker Bio

Daniel F. Keefe is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Visualization Research Lab at Brown University. His research investigates new computing techniques in the areas of future computer displays, controllable spatial interaction with computers, interactive visualization, and 3D graphics. He received the Ph.D. in Computer Science from Brown University in 2007, where his dissertation was nominated by the Department of Computer Science for the 2007 ACM Dissertation Award. He received the Masters in Computer Science from Brown University in 2001 and the B.S. in Computer Engineering with summa cum laude honors from Tufts University in 1999. Dr. Keefe is also active within the digital art and design community. His work has been exhibited and published in juried shows and academic conferences, including SIGGRAPH, where he was introduced as an emerging artist in 2006.