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Multimedia

Virtual Reality

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Virtual Reality (VR) Definition

• An artificial reality that projects you into a 3D space generated by the computer.

• A virtual reality system usually uses:1. Stereoscopic goggles that provide the 3D imagery.2. Tracking device:

goggles that track head and body movement. "data glove" that tracks hand movements.

• The tracking device lets you point to and manipulate computer-generated objects displayed into the goggles.

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Degree of Interaction in VR

• Solo – One person interacting in a virtual space.

• Same Place Collaboration – Few users, interacting in a virtual space, in the same physical location.

• Different Place Collaboration – Few users, interacting in a virtual space, but situated in different physical locations.

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Degree of Immersion in VR

• Fully immersive VR applications (where one doesn't experience the surrounding physical and real environment);

• Semi-immersive VR applications (where a certain degree of immersion is gained, for example via stereo projection);

• 2D screen renderings of a conceptually 3D space (as in Second Life).

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Degree of Realism in VR

• A photo-realistic representation of a real physical location.

• A representation of a conceptual university campus.

• A metaphorical or fantasy environment such as a virtual zoo.

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VR Technical Approaches

1. Head-Mounted– Head-mounted wide-view stereo display.

2. Cave-based– Walls of a room are rear-projection stereo

displays. – The user wears goggles to enable viewing in 3D.

3. Chameleon-type– Hand held, or hand moved, display.– Position and orientation are tracked.

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1 .Head Mounted

Boom Mounted Display

Head Mounted Display (HMD)

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Virtual Reality Environment

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Data Glove

• The user can control images on the screen by donning a glove wired with numerous sensors and moving his hand through the air.

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Human, HMD and Gloves

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Schematic Relationship in HMD System

• Eyes and display are tightly coupled.

• Hands are “far” aside of the display.

• Problem: hands and other objects are hidden.

• Solution – use camera and Augmented virtuality/reality.

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2 .Cave-based

CAVE = Computer Automatic Virtual Environment

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Various devices surround the CAVE

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CAVE examples

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CAVE example

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Degenerated CAVEs – examples

A small 3-sided cave (Cubby)

Cubby

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Degenerated CAVE

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Schematic Relationship in CAVE System

• Eyes and hands are linked and mobile.

• Display is fixed.

• Problem “shadow effect”: when another person hides walls, or when an object is supposed to be between two persons.

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3 .Chameleon-type

Palm-held VR

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Chameleon Style Example

ART+COM

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Schematic Relationship in Chameleon System

• Hands and display are tightly coupled.

• All three are mobile.

• Problems: all (of HMD and Cave).