Worlds within worlds: metaphors for exploring n-dimensional virtual worlds

1 Introduction One common problem in graphical user interface design has been n-Vision is a testbed for exploring n-dimensional worlds the need to manipulate and view 3D environments using containing functions of an arbitrary number of variables. inherently 2D interaction devices and displays. Although Although our interaction devices and display hardware are graphics researchers have long been developing true 3D inherently 3D, we demonstrate how they can be used to support interaction and display devices SUTH65; VICK70; KILP76, it is interaction with these higher-dimensional objects. We introduce a only over the past decade that high-performance 3D graphics new interaction metaphor developed for the system, which we call workstations have been coupled with commercially available 3D worlds within worlds: nested heterogeneous coordinate devices such as polarized liquid crystal shutters for stereo viewing systems that allow the user to view and manipulate functions. TEKT87; STER89...