Shadows with a Message

Providing textual annotations for 3D visualizations poses a number of interesting challenges: It is difficult to find a suitable position for the text such that the image-text co-referential connection is obvious for the user and, at the same time, the text does not occlude the 3D model. In this paper we address this problem by using cast shadows as text containers. This approach leverages the existing benefits of the shadow metaphor in visualizations. Problems which arise in this context are also discussed.

[1]  James F. Blinn,et al.  Me and My (Fake) Shadow , 1988 .

[2]  A. Ahumada,et al.  Discriminability measures for predicting readability of text on textured backgrounds. , 2000, Optics express.

[3]  Richard E. Mayer,et al.  Multimedia Learning , 2001, Visible Learning Guide to Student Achievement.

[4]  R. Mayer,et al.  Multimedia Learning: The Promise of Multimedia Learning , 2001 .

[5]  Daniel C. Robbins,et al.  Interactive shadows , 1992, UIST '92.

[6]  Knut Hartmann,et al.  Illustrative shadows: integrating 3D and 2D information displays , 2003, IUI '03.

[7]  Geoffrey S. Hubona,et al.  The relative contributions of stereo, lighting, and background scenes in promoting 3D depth visualization , 1999, TCHI.

[8]  Geoffrey S. Hubona The Role of Object Shadows in Promoting 3D Visualization , 1999 .

[9]  Wallace Chigona,et al.  Improving readability of contextualized text explanations , 2003, AFRIGRAPH '03.

[10]  Steven K. Feiner,et al.  View management for virtual and augmented reality , 2001, UIST '01.

[11]  R. Mayer,et al.  For whom is a picture worth a thousand words? Extensions of a dual-coding theory of multimedia learning. , 1994 .

[12]  Bernhard Preim,et al.  Virtual 3D Puzzles: A New Method for Exploring Geometric Models in VR , 2001, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[13]  Leonard Wanger,et al.  The effect of shadow quality on the perception of spatial relationships in computer generated imagery , 1992, I3D '92.

[14]  Scott E. Hudson,et al.  Debugging lenses: a new class of transparent tools for user interface debugging , 1997, UIST '97.