Boulanger, Pierre 
  
scene graph as long as a transfer function is supplied. Added to the excavator model were also hot points allowing for 
data queries and the activation of video clips or the replay of engine sounds. 
Visual Data REMCAM 
   
  
  
  
    
   
  
    
Virtual 
Control 
_ Virtual Data 
Analysis Agent 
Virtual Query 
GPS 
Position 
Virtual Diagnostic Interface 
Figure 4: Virtual Avatar of the Hitachi EX200 excavator 
The system can also allow data browsing through the drawing of the excavator or display maintenance reports. All these 
functions were also represented as part of the excavator scene graph. 
  
Figure 5 Section of the scene graph representing the excavator 
2.2 Observer and Operator Stations 
The benefit of IIRO for surface mining is that 
personnel can observe, and in real-time, the status and productivity of 
equipment, thus providing greater awareness 
about the ongoing mine activities. The Observer station is a prototype 
graphic supercomputer is a local high-speed 
communication, video, and user interface. 
A lot of attention has been given to the design of the user interface 
(UL) since it is a key factor when comes time to 
evaluate the usefulness of a product. The design criteria used here 
are the ease of use and the ease of learning. For that 
  
96 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B5. Amsterdam 2000. 
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