Daniel Vogel


Hand Occlusion and Direct Input

18th June 2010, 14:30
LRI, salle 79 (how to get there ?)
Entrée libre et gratuite

Abstract


Operating a computer by touching or drawing directly on the display would seem to be more natural and efficient. However, issues specific to this kind of direct input, such as when your hand covers portions of the display while interacting, create new problems not experienced with conventional mouse input. This talk presents research investigating and addressing the problem of hand occlusion in the context of direct pen input. Specifically, I will discuss the results of an observational study and controlled experiments which show how occlusion affects performance, how users compensate for it, as well as fundamental characteristics such as the shape of the occluded area -- including a simple geometric model which captures that general shape and can be configured for individual users. Finally I discuss a new class of occlusion-aware interfaces which know what area is currently occluded and then counteract potential problems and/or utilize the occluded area. As a case study example, I will describe an interaction technique called the Occlusion-Aware Viewer which displays otherwise missed previews and status messages in a non-occluded area. Although the focus of this talk is on occlusion, I will also highlight techniques used for this work which have broader applications: multi-faceted study logging using synchronized video, image-based analysis, task visualization, optimization-based analytical testing, and user interface image processing.


Biography


Daniel Vogel is currently a postdoctoral researcher with the INRIA MINT team at the université de Lille 1. His research interests include input and interaction with large displays, ambient displays, tablets, and tabletops. Dan has worked for more than ten years as a graphic designer, information architect, and interaction design consultant for clients such as AutoDesk Press, Starbucks, Sony, and the Royal Bank of Canada. He holds PhD and MSc degrees in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, as well as a BA in Computer Science and Visual Arts from the University of Western Ontario and a BFA in Intermedia Studies from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada.