Direct interaction with a 3D volumetric environment

A 3D user interface for a volume visualizatio n system is presented . It provides direct interactio n and visceral exploration of the volumetric objects employing true 3D input devices such as the 3SPAC E Polhemus Isotrak and the VPL DataGlove . The use r interface presents on the workstation screen a small scale virtual 3D reality supported by a rich set o f interaction paradigms. As an integral part of th e environment, we developed a volume editor, edvol, fo r generating, manipulating, and viewing sample d and/or synthetic volumetric objects . The novelty o f our research and development effort is in providin g paradigms for direct interaction, with a focus on volume visualization applications .