From: bross@nas.nasa.gov (Bill Ross)
Subject: VR '91/SF: Monday afternoon
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 91 04:00:06 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center



David Hon, Businessman

"got CBS to make my demo tape"
CPR teaching: sensors in dummy, computer tells you if you are doing it
right ('80-83). Welding simulator: touch screen to answer questions
about equipment, use torch and welding stick on (horizontal) screen 
to "weld" & see  "flame" - neat simulation of weld. Endoscopy: shove
tube in dummy & inspect stomach, seeing endoscope parts nicely super-
imposed on seamless videodisc of real parts with computer-introduced
blood when operating (company is now 1 of top 3 endoscope mfrs).

Bradford Smith, Professor

Showed an animated business model reflecting a spreadsheet; graphics of 
cash flows resembling the Napoleon's March casualties I saw in a standard 
textbook on graphing: lines got thicker when volume increased. Resevoirs/
debts also shown. One or two people spontaneously applauded. He pointed 
out an overly large stockpile of raw materials, and you could see the 
cash flow cycle into the red (more and more?). An excellent application. 
Seemed there was already some blurring of distinction between the economic 
model (basis for the spreadsheet) and the graphics. Looks like VR may pave 
the way for Hypercard.

Charles Grantham, Professor

"... merge ourselves in the actual data space that describes the business
enterprise ... cognitive picture of the virtual company"