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MedicineAnatomy and Physiology

Coordinated Action in 3-D Space

Authors: Robert M. Stinman; MARYLAND UNIV COLLEGE PARK OFFICE OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION AND ADVANCEMENT
Abstract:
This grant (1): tests alternative hypotheses about mechanisms controlling gaze-shifts while manipulating nearby objects, viz., on-line feedback vs. learned, preplanned coordinated movements and (2) studies speed and accuracy of visually-guided arm movements. Work this year concentrated primarily on instrumentation, i.e., (1) a SUN workstation was procured and configured, (2) an interface between the Maryland RFM and a PC was constructed. This allowed old DEC computers to be retired, (3) a hands-on, calibrated workspace was constructed and (4) software for data acquisition and analysis was developed. Progress was made with more intellectual activities while this new instrumentation was developed, viz., (1) a behavioral trigonometric technique was worked out for estimating the eyes's centers of rotation with the head free to move, (2) slow control was shown to be sensitive only to velocity and not to position (contrary to prior claims), (3) Pizlo completed a Ph.D thesis on shape constancy by human beings and computers, and (4) it was shown that unspaced word-texts could be read out-loud easily. This provocative finding makes great difficulties for all contemporary theories of reading because they assume that spaces in texts are required to parse words effectively. eye-hand coordination, saccades, slow control, reading

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Annual interim rept. 15 Dec 90-14 Jan 92
Pages: 4
Report Date: 12 MAR 92
Contract Number: AFOSR-91-0124
Report Number: A038942
Keywords relating to this report:
ACCURACY
ACQUISITION
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
CONTROL
DATA ACQUISITION
EYE
FEEDBACK
HANDS
HEAD(ANATOMY)
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
HUMANS
HYPOTHESES
INSTRUMENTATION
INTERFACES
READING
ROTATION
SHAPE
TEST AND EVALUATION
VELOCITY
VISUAL PERCEPTION
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