Gordon Kurtenbach

Publications

postal address:

email: Gord.Kurtenbach at autodesk.com

Patents

Gordon Kurtenbach

voice: 416 874-8497

Students, Summer Interns, Research Assistants

Autodesk

fax: 416 369 6137

Research Group Associates, Alumni

210 King Street East

 

Research in Products contributions

Toronto Ontario CANADA, M5A 1J7

 

Background

 

 

Gordon Kurtenbach is a director in the Applied Research Group at Autodesk. The group's focus is on 3D interactive graphics with research in the areas of interaction technologies, modeling, animation and rendering. Prior to Autodesk, Gordon was a researcher at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center and Apple Computer's Advanced Technology group. Gordon recieved his Ph.D. from University of Toronto in Computer Science and has many research publications and patents in human computer interaction. Research areas: human-computer interaction: input devices, bi-manual input, high degree of freedom input, menuing systems, UI for 3d graphics, human motor control and perception. Gord works with George Fitzmaurice, Jos Stam, and Azam Khan.

Publications

Refereed Long Papers (Journals and Conferences)

Nicolas Burtnyk, Azam Khan, George Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach. (in press). "ShowMotion: Camera Motion based 3D Design Review". I3D 2006 Proceedings ACM Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics and Games

George Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, Gordon Kurtenbach, Graham Binks, "Cinematic Meeting Facilities Using Large Displays". IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, (July/Aug 2005), Vol 25, No. 4 Special Issue on Applications of Large Displays p. 17-21.

Gordon Kurtenbach and George Fitzmaurice, "Applications of Large Displays, Guest Editor's Introduction", IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, (July/Aug 2005), Vol 25, No. 4 Special Issue on Applications of Large Displays p. 22-23.

Russell Owen, Gordon Kurtenbach, George Fitzmaurice, Thomas Baudel, Bill Buxton, "When It Gets More Difficult, Use Both Hands – Exploring Bimanual Curve Manipulation", Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2005.

Azam Khan, Ben Komalo, Jos Stam, George Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach, "HoverCam: Interactive 3D Navigation for Proximal Object Inspection", ACM Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics 2005

Azam Khan, Justin Matejka, George Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach. "Spotlight: Directing Users' Visual Attention on Large Displays". CHI 2005 Conference Proceedings ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. p.: 791 - 798

Azam Khan, George Fitzmaurice, Don Almeida, Nicolas Burtnyk, Gordon Kurtenbach , "A Remote Control Interface for Large Displays", ACM UIST 2003 Symposium on User Interface Software & Technology p. 127-136

George Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, Rob Pieke, Bill Buxton, Gordon Kurtenbach. "Tracking Menus", ACM UIST 2003 Symposium on User Interface Software & Technology, p. 71-79

George W. Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, William Buxton, Gordon Kurtenbach, Ravin Balakrishnan. (2003). Sentient data access via a diverse society of devices. ACM Queue, November 2003.  p. 53-62.

Michael Tsang, George W. Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach, Azam Khan, Bill Buxton. "Boom Chameleon: Simultaneous capture of 3D viewpoint, voice and gesture annotations on a spatially-aware display". SIGGRAPH 2003 Conference Proceedings, Annual Conferences Series, ACM Transactions on Graphics 22(3). (Invited)

Michael Tsang, George W. Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach, Azam Khan (2003) "Game-like Navigation and Responsiveness in Non-game Applications". Communications of the ACM, Special issue on Gaming Technology July 2003

Michael Tsang, George W. Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach, Azam Khan, Bill Buxton. (2002). "Boom Chameleon: Simultaneous capture of 3D viewpoint, voice and gesture annotations on a spatially-aware display." ACM CHI Letters, 4(2). pp. 111-120. ACM UIST 2002 Symposium on User Interface Software & Technology.

Michael McGuffin, Nicolas Burtnyk and Gordon Kurtenbach (2002) "FaST Sliders: Integrating Marking Menus and the Adjustment of Continuous Values", Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2002.

Nicholas Burtnyk, Azam Khan, George W. Fitzmaurice, Ravin Balakrishnan, Gordon Kurtenbach. (2002). "StyleCam: Interactive stylized 3D navigation using integrated spatial & temporal Controls". ACM CHI Letters. ACM UIST 2002 Symposium on User Interface Software & Technology.

Ravin Balakrishnan, George W. Fitzmaurice, Gordon Kurtenbach (2001). "User interfaces for volumetric displays". IEEE Computer, March 2001. pp. 37-45. IEEE Computer Society.

Buxton, W., Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G. (2000). "Large Displays in Automotive Design". IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, July 2000.

Tovi Grossman, Ravin Balakrishnan, Gordon Kurtenbach, George W. Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, William Buxton. (2002). "Creating principal 3D curves with digital tape drawing". ACM CHI Letters, 4(1), pp. 121-128. ACM CHI 2002 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

George W. Fitzmaurice, Ravin Balakrishnan, Gordon Kurtenbach. (1999). Sampling, synthesis, and input devices. Communications of the ACM, August 1999, 42(8). pp. 54-63.

Tovi Grossman, Ravin Balakrishnan, Gordon Kurtenbach, George W. Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, William Buxton. (2001). Interaction techniques for 3D modeling on large displays. Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics (I3DG2001), pp. 17-23. New York: ACM.

Balakrishnan, R., Fitzmaurice, G., Kurtenbach, G. and William Buxton, "Digital Tape Drawing" UIST '99

Balakrishnan, R., Fitzmaurice, G., Kurtenbach, G. & Singh, K., "Exploring Interactive Curve and Manipulation Using ShapeTape, a Bend and Twist Sensitive Input Strip", Symposuim on Interactive 3d Graphics 1999

Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., Owen, R., & Baudel, T., "The Hotbox: Efficient Access to a Large Number of Menu-items", CHI '99, 1999

Balakrishnan, R., & Kurtenbach, G., "Exploring Bimanual Camera Control and Object Manipulation in 3D Graphics Interfaces", CHI '99, 1999

Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G. & Buxton, B., "An Exploration into Supporting Artwork Orientation in the User Interface", CHI '99, 1999

Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., Baudel, T., & Buxton, B., "The Design and Evaluation of a GUI Paradigm based on Two-hands, Tablets and Transparency" CHI '97

Balakrishnan, R., Baudel, T., Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., "The Rockin' Mouse: Integral 3D Manipulation on a Plane", CHI '97

Harrison, B. L., Kurtenbach, G., Vicente, K. J, "An Experimental Evaluation of Transparent User Interface Tools and Information" UIST'95, 1995.

Kurtenbach, G. & Moran, T., "Contextual Animation of Gestural Commands", (1994) Eurographics Computer Graphics Forum 13(5) (invited best User Interface paper from Graphics Interface '94)

Tapia, M.A, & Kurtenbach, G. "Some Design Requirements and Principles on the Appearance and Behavior of Marking Menus", UIST '95, 1995, pp. 189-195

Moran, T. P., Chiu, P., Harrison, S., Kurtenbach, G. Minneman, S., & van Melle, W., "Evolutionary Engagement in an Ongoing Collaborative Work Process: A Case Study, Computer Supported Collaborative Work " Proceedings of CSCW '96. ACM, New York, pp. 150-159

Moran, T. P., Chiu, P, van Melle, W. & Kurtenbach, G., "Implicit Structures for Pen-Based Systems within a Freeform Interaction Paradigm", CHI 1995. pp. 487-494

Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W., "User learning and performance with marking menus". CHI '94 , video

Hardock, G., Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W. "A marking based interface for collaborative writing". User Interface Software Technology '94

Kurtenbach, G., Sellen, A. & Buxton, W. (1993) "An empirical evaluation of some articulatory and cognitive aspects of "marking menus"". Journal of Human Computer Interaction, 8(1), pp. 1-23.

Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W. "The limits of expert performance using hierarchic marking menus", CHI '93

Sellen, A., Kurtenbach, G. & Buxton, W. (1992). "The prevention of mode errors through sensory feedback". Journal of Human Computer Interaction, 7(2), pp. 141-164

Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W., "Issues in Combining Marking and Direct Manipulation Techniques", User Interface Technology '91 pp. 137-144.

Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W. "GEdit: a testbed for editing by contiguous gesture". SIGCHI Bulletin, 23(2), 22 - 26, 1991

Sellen, A., Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W., "The role of visual and kinesthetic feedback in the prevention of mode errors". In D. Diaper et al. (Eds), Human Computer Interaction, INTERACT '90, Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 667-673

DEPICT: a Graphical Interface for Systems., Kurtenbach G., Sorenson P.G., Tremblay J.P. "DEPICT: a Graphical Interface for Systems Analysis and Design". Proceedings of the Seventeenth Hawaii Conference on System Science, 1985

Protsko L.B., Kurtenbach G., Sorenson P.G., Tremblay J.P. "Design of a Graphics Database in Support of Computer-Aided Information Systems Development", Proceedings of the Seventeenth Hawaii Conference on System Science, 1985

 

Theses

Kurtenbach, G. "The Design and Evaluation of Marking Menus", University of Toronto, 1993, Ph. D. Thesis, Dept. of Computer Science

Kurtenbach, G. "Hierarchical Encapsulation and Connection in a Graphical User Interface: a Music Case Study", University of Toronto, 1988, M.Sc. Thesis, Dept of Computer Science

Peer reviewed Short papers, posters, invited book chapters

Kurtenbach, G. & Hulteen, E., (1990) "Gestures in Human Computer Communication", The Art and Science of Interface Design, Brenda Laurel Ed., Addison-Wesley publisher, 1990, pp. 309-317

Kurtenbach, G., Baudel, T. "HyperMark: Issuing commands by drawing marks in HyperCard", CHI '92 poster and short talks, p. 64, 1992

 

Issued US Patents

Kurtenbach, G. and Fitzmaurice G. "System for accessing a large number of menu items using a zoned menu" Filed July 21, 1998 patent # 6,915, 492 B2

Kurtenbach; G., Fitzmaurice; G., Balakrishnan; R. "Three dimensional volumetric display input and output configurations", Filed June 28 2002, 6,753,847

Balakrishnan R., Buxton W., Fitzmaurice G., Kurtenbach G. "Digital tape drawing system", Filed September 24, 1999 patent # 6,642,927

Kurtenbach, G. and Fitzmaurice G. "System for accessing a large number of menu items using a zoned menu" Filed July 21, 1998 patent # 6,414,700

Balakrishnan R., Baudel T., Fitzmaurice G., Kurtenbach G., "Three-dimensional input system using tilt". Filed August 22, 1996, patent # 6,115,028

Kurtenbach, G., "Display and control of menus with radial and linear portions", Filed April 1, 1997, patent #5,926,178

Kurtenbach, G., "Methods and system of controlling menus with radial and linear portions", Nov. 18, 1997 / Filed June 6, 1995, patent #5,689,667

Kurtenbach, G., "Method and apparatus for producing, controlling and displaying menus", Filed March 8, 1999, patent # 6,618,063

Kurtenbach, G., "Graphical user interface for defining and invoking user-customized tool shelf execution sequence Filed Oct. 6, 1997, patent #5867163

Baudel, T., Fitzmaurice, G., Buxton, W., Kurtenbach, G., Tappen, C., & Liepe, P., "Drawing System using Design Guides", Granted April 23 2002, patent #6,377,240

Baudel, T., Buxton, W. Fitzmaurice, G., Harrison, B., Kurtenbach, G., Owen, R., "Clickaround tool-based graphical interface with two cursors", Sept. 9, 1997 / Filed Aug. 4, 1995 patent #5,666,667

Buxton, W & Kurtenbach, G. "Graphical keyboard", Filed May 17, 1995, patent # 6,094,197

Moran, T. P., Chiu, P., van Melle, W.J., Kurtenbach, G, "Method and apparatus for grouping graphic objects on a computer based system having a graphical user interface", Filed June 26, 1996, patent # 5,861,886

Moran, T. P., Minneman, S., Kimber, D. G., Zellweger, P.T., Kurtenbach; G, Wilcox, L. D., "Computer controlled display system using a timeline to control playback of temporal data representing collaborative activities", Feb. 10, 1998 / Filed Nov. 3, 1995, patent # 5,717,869

Moran, T. P., Minneman, S., Kimber, D. G., Zellweger, P.T., Kurtenbach; G, Wilcox, L. D., "Computer controlled display system using a graphical replay device to control playback of temporal data representing collaborative activities", Filed Nov. 3, 1995, patent # 6,332,147

Moran, T. P., Kimber, D. G., van Melle, W.J., Kurtenbach, G., "Computer controlled display system activities using correlated graphical and timeline interfaces for controlling replay of temporal data representing collaborative activities", July 28, 1998 / Filed Nov. 3, 1995, patent # 5,786,814

Moran, T. P., Kurtenbach, G., "Method and apparatus for correcting and/or aborting command gestures in a gesture input system", April 16, 1996 / Filed Dec. 30, 1993, patent # 5,509,114

Moran, T. P., Kurtenbach, G., "Apparatus and method for translating graphic objects and commands with direct touch input in a touch based input system", March 19, 1996 / Filed Dec. 30, 1993, patent # 5,500,935

Moran, T. P., Minneman, S., Harrison, S., Kimber, D. G., van Melle, W.J., Zellweger, P.T., Kurtenbach, G., Wilcox, L. D., Bly, S., Janssen, Jr., W.C., Mountain View, CA Hebel; L. C., "System for the capture and replay of temporal data representing collaborative activities", Feb. 10, 1998 / Filed Nov. 3, 1995, patent # 5,717,879

Moran T.P, Chiu P., van Melle Bill & Kurtenbach G., "Apparatus and method for implementing visual animation illustrating results of interactive editing operations", March 9, 1999 / Filed Nov. 24, 1997, patent # 5,880,743

Filed US Patents Published

Fitzmaurice, G., Kurtenbach, G., Miller, L.,Vittorio, J. D.; "Layer editor system for a pen-based", Filed December 31, 2003, 20040217947

Fitzmaurice, G.,; Kurtenbach, G., "User interface having a placement and layout suitable for pen-based computers", Filed December 31, 2003, 20040212617

Fitzmaurice, G.,; Kurtenbach, G., "Biomechanical user interface elements for pen-based computers", Filed December 31, 2003, 20040212605

Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G., "System for dynamically mapping input device movement as a user's viewpoint changes", Filed May 10, 2004, 20040210852

Balakrishnan R., Buxton W., Fitzmaurice G., Kurtenbach G. "Digital tape drawing system", Filed August 8, 2003, 20040189640 A1

Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., "Three dimensional volumetric display input and output configurations" Filed April 23, 2004, 20040207599

Fitzmaurice, G.,Kurtenbach, G., Buxton, W., Pieke, R., "Pen-mouse system", Filed October 15, 2003, 20040141015

Kurtenbach, G., "Method and apparatus for producing, controlling and displaying menus", Filed July 3, 2003, 20040095395

Burtnyk, N.,; Khan, A., Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., ; Kurtenbach, G., "System and method of integrated spatial and temporal navigation", Filed November 5, 2002, 20040085335

Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., "Volume management system for volumetric displays", Filed: June 28, 2002, 20040001112

Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G., "Widgets displayed and operable on a surface of a volumetric display enclosure", Filed: June 28, 2002 , 20040001111

Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., "System for physical rotation of volumetric display enclosures to facilitate viewing", Filed: June 28, 2002, 20040001075

Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., "Techniques for pointing to locations within a volumetric display", Filed: June 28, 2002 ,20030142144

Fitzmaurice, G., Balakrishnan, R., Kurtenbach, G., "Graphical user interface widgets viewable and readable from multiple viewpoints in a volumetric display", Filed: June 28, 2002 ,20030142092

Kurtenbach, G.; Fitzmaurice, G.,Balakrishnan, R., "Three dimensional volumetric display input and output configurations ",Filed: June 28, 2002, 20030142067

Kurtenbach, G., Fitzmaurice, G., "System for accessing a large number of menu items using a zoned menu bar ", Filed: Feb 23, 2005, ,200501445

Moran, T., Van Melle, W, Kurtenbach, G., Chiu, P., "Computer Controlled Display System Using A Graphical Replay Device to Control Playback of Temporal Data Representing Collaborative Activities", Filed: November 3, 1995, 2002000256

Non-referred Articles

Kurtenbach, G., "Societies of Specialized I/O Devices", Desktop Engineering, Sept, 2001

Unpublished Articles

Gordon Kurtenbach, George Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, and Don Almeida, 2004, "Scale Independence in Marking Menus" video

Gordon Kurtenbach, 2004, "Notes on the History of Radial menus, Pie menus and Marking menus", related Reference to 1969 PIXIE system with circular menus from Newman and Sproull textbook

 

Research to Product Contributions

Alias Receives Special Academy Award® 2003 A.M.P.A.S.® for Maya 3D Computer Graphics and Animation Software Alias Research Group (Left to Right): George Fitzmaurice, Azam Khan, Gord Kurtenbach (absent: Jos Stam & Bill Buxton) Research

Marking menus - Maya product line, StudioTools product line, PortfolioWall, Sketchbook

Hotbox - Maya product line

Maya 1.0 UI - interaction model

Portfolio Wall - product concept and user interface

Sketchbook - user interface: tool arc, marking menus, layer editor, pan/zoom puck

Paper Reviewer

Guest Editor (with George Fitzmaurice) IEEE Computer Graphics and Algorithms, Special Issue on Large Display technology. July 2005

CHI: 2007, 2006, (meta) 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1994

UIST: 2006 (meta), 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996

Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics: 2006

Siggraph: 2006, (meta) 2001, (meta) 2002

IEEE 3D User Interfaces: 2007

TOG, TOCHI, Graphics Interface, EGVE, International Journal Of Human-Computer Interaction, IEEE Computers & Industrial Engineering.

Graduate Students

Michael McGuffin, M.Sc. 9/02 co-supervised with Ravin Balakrishnan

Research Assistants

Igor Mordatch 2006
Don Amelai, spring 2004
Justin Majeka winter 2004
Don Amelai, spring 2003
Alex Babkin, winter 2003
Rob Pieke, 2002
Sam Yip, summer 2002
Sobia Khwaja, summer 2002
Ruslana Goncharenko, summer 2002
Tovi Grossman, summer 2000, 2001
Ravin Balakrishnan, part time 1997-2001
Michael McGuffin, fall 1996, summer 1997
Nicolas Burtnyk, part time 2001,
Ray Graham, 1997

Alias Research Group Alumni and Associates

Bill Buxton
Ravin Balakrishnan
Thomas Baudel
Russel Owen
Karan Singh
Jerome Maillot
Beverly Harrison
Shumin Zhai

Background

Education

Ph.D. Computer Science, U. of Toronto (May 1993). Supervisor: William Buxton, Thesis title: "The design and evaluation of marking menus"

M.Sc. Computer Science, U. of Toronto (October 1988). Supervisor: William Buxton, Thesis title: "Hierarchical Encapsulation and Connection in a Graphical User Interface: a Music Case Study"

B.Sc. Computer Science with High Honours, U. of Saskatchewan (May 1984).

Awards

ACM UIST 2005 "Lasting Impact Award", 2005
Paul Sorenson Distinguished Graduate Award, U of Saskatchewan, 2003
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship ($17,000/year), 1989-1991.
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship ($17,000/year), 1986-1988.
University of Saskatchewan Honours Scholarship, 1983.
NSERC Summer Research Scholarship, 1983, 1984.
University of Saskatchewan Undergraduate Scholarship, 1982

Work History

Director, Research, Autodesk Feb 2006 to present
In February of 2006 Autodesk acquired Alias. The Research Group at Alias became part of the Applied Research Group in the Media and Entertainment Division of Autodesk and we continue to research advancments in 3D graphics and interactions.


Director of Research, Alias, 1999 - Feb 2006
Directing a team of UI and 3d graphics researchers working on basic and applied research relating to 3d interactive graphics for computer animation and modeling. Consulting with product management on technology directions in products and intellectual property.

Manager of User Interface Research, Alias | wavefront, 1995-98
Managed a team of UI researchers working on basic and applied research relating to UIs for 3d interactive graphics for computer animation and modeling. Established a publication record and patent position for company in UI areas of two-handed input, high performance menu access, and alternate input. The team was instrumental in the specification and development of innovative UI for flagship product, Maya, and highly influential in the development of innovative tablet technology by Wacom. Help found a usability engineering group at Alias | Wavefront Assisted in the establishment of patent process at Alias | Wavefront

Research scientist, Alias, 1994-95,
Researched the application of high performance menu selection system to 3d computer animation and modeling. Collaborated on research into the role of visual transparency in graphics user interfaces. Researched designing and evaluating alternate input devices for controlling 3d computer animation and modeling applications.

Research consultant, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center,
Investigated using multi-media input/output to increase meeting productivity, 1993-94

Research consultant, Telepresence Project, University of Toronto,
Developed software and hardware for desk-size display and touch surface, 1993

Software consultant, Alias Research Inc.,
Developed high performance input system for drawing software, 1993

Research Consultant, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center,
Researched interfaces for pen-based collaborative meeting tools with Dr. Thomas Moran, 1992

Research consultant, Dynamic Graphics Lab, University of Toronto,
Developed software for analyzing conversation patterns when using video conferencing systems, 1991

Summer researcher, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center,
Researched the use of voice and gesture for browsing with Dr. Stuart Card, 1990

Research Engineer, Human Interface Group, Apple Computers Inc.
Researched the use of voice input and gesture for 3D object manipulation. Jan - Sept 1989

Summer Intern, Human Interface Group, Apple Computers Inc.
Researched the use of gesture and momentum in direct manipulation interfaces. 1988

Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Computer Science, U of Toronto.
Lectured and graded assignments for CS354: Computer Simulations and CS158: Computer Applications. 1986-88

Research Associate, Dept. of Computer Science, U of Saskatchewan.
Developed interactive graphics based tools for systems analysis. 1984-86

Summer Research Assistant, Dept. of Computer Science, U of Saskatchewan.
Investigated graphics based tools for systems analysis. 1984

Summer Research Assistant, Dept. of Computer Science, U of Saskatchewan.
Developed a graphics editor for the Telidon videotext system. 1983

Summer Laboratory Assistant, Senstek Inc, Saskatoon Canada.
Implemented operating system for a microprocessor based agricultural sensor. 1982