EGVE01: 7th EG Workshop on Virtual Environments, 5th Immersive Projection Technology Workshop

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https://diglib.eg.org/handle/10.2312/376

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COVISE and the Virtual Intuitive Simulation Test bed
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Wierse, Andreas; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
This paper describes the developments performed in the EU-project VISiT (Virtual Intuitive Simulation Test bed). The goal of the project is the development of an intuitive simulation test bed based on Virtual Reality technology. As a new man-machine interface it will be an efficient environment for a small team of engineers and designers, that enables also the designer to evaluate and interact with the complex 3D data of simulations. The basis of the Virtual Intuitive Simulation Test bed will be COVISE, an extendable distributed software environment to integrate supercomputer based simulations, post-processing, and visualisation functionalities with co-operative working in a seamless manner. The project covers different application fields, including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning simulation in a passenger car compartment and the flow simulation in a draft tube and in an axial runner of a water turbine.
COMPUTER GRAPHICS OPTIQUE Optical Superposition of Projected Computer Graphics
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Majumder, Aditi; GregWelch,; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
We present some ideas and demonstrations for a hybrid projectorbased rendering and display technique we call Computer Graphics Optique. Instead of partially overlapping projected images to achieve a wide-area display, we completely overlap projected images on top of each other to achieve the addition of light and color in an optical composition buffer. The idea is to use the optical composition to replace some analytical computation, to increase rendering speed, gain flexibility, intensity range, and intensity resolution. Where projector-based displays are appropriate, potential uses include the optical realization of certain effects normally requiring a digital accumulation buffer, the optical composition of heterogeneous lighting techniques, and the ability to use heterogeneous graphics engines, in parallel. In addition one can make use of the optical projector control of focus augmented with the optical superposition to achieve effects that are otherwise computationally expensive. We believe that this technique offers the possibility of a new paradigm for combined rendering and projector-based display.
Two-Handed Through-the-Lens-Techniques for Navigation in Virtual Environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Stoev, Stanislav L.; Schmalstieg, Dieter; Straßer, Wolfgang; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
We present a tool set of techniques for navigation in virtual environments. Based on a through-the-lens concept, the user is enabled to simultaneously view the surrounding virtual world and an arbitrary location of the virtual world as seen through an interactively defined window. For the manipulation and the adjustment of this virtual window we propose three different strategies, loosely based on the well-known eyeball-in-hand, scene-in-hand, and world-in-miniature techniques. Since our technique provides a preview area with controllable size and position, the occluded part of the scene can be flexibly managed, while enabling intuitive and precise work with the proposed tools. The proposed techniques provide powerful tools that are easy to implement and can be applied in any type of virtual environments.
An Investigation into the design of an Interface for Interaction with a Virtual Environment representing a four-dimensional object
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Wellard, R.; Chapman, S.C.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Five methods of mapping the input from a six-degrees-of-freedom input device to the set of rotations available in four-dimensional space are evaluated with respect to how well they can be used to perform four-dimensional target aquisition tasks. Also evaluated are the user's opinions of the methods of interaction. Two of the five interaction methods perform significantly better than the rest allowing some general results to be drawn.....
First-Person Science Inquiry in the Field
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Moher, T.; Johnson, A.; Cho, Y.; Lin, Y.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
In this paper we describe a class of restricted simulations, virtual ambients, designed to support science inquiry learning among elementary school students. These simulations employ large multi-user VR displays to support first-person collaborative exploration, data collection, and the construction of support for hypotheses in simulated environments. In order to reduce the cognitive load on learners, navigation is used instead of the traditional learning simulations' direct control of independent model variables. Users may observe phenomena in virtual environments, but cannot affect the course of the underlying simulation. We report on our early experience with second, fourth, and sixth grade students in an elementary school employing a configurable virtual ambient named the Field.
Control Software for the productive Use of distributed IPT Installations
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Scharm, H.; Maurer, F.; Neuber, D.; Löffler, R.; Rantzau, D.; Banek, D.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Over the last few years the number of industrial immersive projection technology (IPT) installations has grown rapidly. Most of these systems are powered by one or more SGI Onyx graphics computers with several independent graphics pipes and quite a few CPUs. Since these machines represents a big investment, many installations are designed to make use of the Onyx graphics power at different presentation areas and meeting rooms. In this paper we will introduce a new client/server approach for controlling such distributed IPT installations where multiple presentations and work sessions run simultaneously and where different users access the resources of the facility in parallel. We first discuss the necessity of multiple configurations of the IPT hardware for different kinds of presentations and applications. After this, we explain the special requirements for the control of distributed multi-user Reality Center s ( Reality Center is a trademark of SGI). We then present the client/server architecture of our new Reality Center management software (RCMS). Finally, we will give an outlook for possible future extensions of the software to meet individual requirements.
Round Table: A Physical Interface for Virtual Camera Deployment in Electronic Arenas
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Hoch, Michael; Jää-Aro, Kai-Mikael; Bowers, John; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
In this paper, we describe a physical input device for the control of virtual cameras. The so called RoundTable has a round projection area where physical icons are used to stipulate the position of virtual cameras. With this scenario we propose a hybrid mixed reality environment for use by production personnel for real-time camera control during a live-broadcast. We present first results of using the RoundTable to support the managing of events in electronic arenas and compare them with traditional interfaces for camera control. We also comment on findings from a scenario in the field of sound mixing and sound composition.
Spring-Based Manipulation Tools for Virtual Environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Koutek, Michal; Post, Frits H.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
In this paper we present new tools for user interaction with virtual worlds, to bring more natural behavior into the manipulation of objects in virtual environments. We present some principles of physically realistic behavior of virtual objects and a set of user input techniques suitable for semi-immersive VR devices such as the Responsive Workbench. We introduce springs, spring-forks and spring-probes as new tools for assisting direct manipulation of objects in VEs. In this paper we focus on controlling rotational motions.
Invisible Interface for the Immersive Virtual World
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Ogi, Tetsuro; Yamada, Toshio; Yamamoto, Koji; Hirose, Michitaka; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Immersive projection technologies such as CAVE can generate a high presence virtual world. However, it is difficult for the user to experience the immersive virtual world in the real workplace, such as the design room or the conference room, because this type of display system requires a large space in order to install the screen. In this study, an invisible interface was developed for the immersive virtual world by integrating a transparent immersive projection display and cellular phone interface technologies. By using this system, the user in the real world can experience the high presence virtual world in an immersive environment. This system was applied to several fields of application, such as augmented reality and telecommunications.
The integration of immersive Virtual Reality applications into Catia V5
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Rantzau, D.; Maurer, F.; Mayer, C.; Löffler, R.; Riedel, O.; Scharm, H.; Banek, D.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
During the last few years a wide range of stand-alone virtual reality (VR) applications have been developed. The typical data source for most of these applications are 3D styling tools or 3D-CAD systems from which data has to be converted into a representation useful in VR software systems. The drawbacks of the stand-alone approach are well known: data conversion, loss of semantics and the problems of establishing a feedback path for updating data in the underlying CAD model from within the VR software. In this paper we will introduce our solution to this problem by proposing an integrated VR/CAD system approach based on the CATIA 3D-CAD software, more precisely the CATIA V5 application architecture [1]. We will discuss the requirements and implications from the CAD data perspective and show how the VR integration inside the CAD system can be realized. Derived from a specific end user scenario we introduce a sample application for virtual prototype reviews.
On the Utility of Semantic Constraints
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Smith, G.; Stuerzlinger, W.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Content creation for computer graphics applications is a laborious process that requires skilled personnel. One fundamental problem is that manipulation of 3D objects with 2D user interfaces is very difficult for nonexperienced users. In this paper, we describe a system that uses semantic constraints to restrict object motion in a 3D scene, making interaction much simpler and more intuitive. We compare three different levels of semantic constraints in a 3D scene manipulation program with a 2D user interface. We show that the presented techniques are significantly more efficient than alternate techniques, which do not use semantics in their constraints. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of 3D manipulation techniques with 2D devices and constraints.
Novel Shutter Glass Control for Simultaneous Projection and Picture Acquisition
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Kunz, Andreas M.; Spagno, Christian P.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Virtual reality offers completely new possibilities for collaborative work over distributed environments. To enable collaborative work, it is necessary that both, virtual objects as well as the other users, can be seen simultaneously in real-time. A novel technique is necessary to overcome the contradiction of darkness and light for image projection and video acquisition, respectively. A stroboscopic light and a camera system are added to the existing VR-system and a few modification are made to existing shutter glasses. In such a solution, the method of projection in the VR-system remains unmodified. This paper describes how to resolve this contradiction with the constraint to make as few changes as possible to existing VR-systems. Furthermore the timing of the different devices is discussed.
Command and Control Cube : a Shortcut Paradigm for Virtual Environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Grosjean, Jérôme; Coquillart, Sabine; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
New immersive virtual environments (VE) such as the Responsive WorkbenchTM provide users with a very attractive way of interacting with 3D computer-generated worlds. The feeling of immersion is one of the many advantages of such configurations. Being able to interact naturally with the virtual world is a very important part of this feeling. Programs developed for the virtual environments need powerful, intuitive and rapid application control interfaces. Previous work on this topic have focused on the development ofmenu systems for the VEs: converted 2D menus, hand-oriented menus and 3D widgets. To our knowledge, no 3D equivalent of the quick keyboard hotkey mechanism has ever been proposed for VEs. In this paper, we propose a 3D paradigm: the Command and Control Cube (CCC or C3), inspired by marking menus. The C3 aims to be a rapid and intuitive mechanism for issuing a set of commands to an application.
MAESTRO - a tool for interactive assembly simulation in virtual environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Steffan, Roland; Kuhlen, Torsten; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
We introduce MAESTRO, a Virtual Reality based assembly simulation tool that comprises physically-based modeling, haptic feedback and artificial support mechanisms. The focus of this paper is on the developed support mechanisms and the evaluation of the system. The experimental results show that all three features { haptics, physics, and artificial support { considerably improve user performance and user acceptance during the completion of assembly tasks in a virtual environment.
VIRPI: A High-Level Toolkit for Interactive Scientific Visualization in Virtual Reality
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) GERMANS, Desmond; SPOELDER, Hans J.W.; RENAMBOT, Luc; BAL, Henri E.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Research areas that require interactive visualization of simulation data tend to dismiss virtual reality due to the lack of accessible tools for application specialists. This paper presents an integral toolkit for interactive visualization in virtual reality environments. The toolkit defines a framework to build applications that allow the user to interact with arbitrary simulation software and describe virtual measurement tools for the visualized data. The approach is illustrated with a case study in medical imaging.
Measuring an Illusion:The Influence of System Performance on Size Perception in Virtual Environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Hofmann, Jan; Jäger, Thomas J.; Deffke, Thorben; Bubb, Heiner; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
The effects of system performance variations on people s estimation of virtual object sizes in a multi-sided back projection virtual reality system have been explored. Seventy-seven participants adjusted the sizes of three subsequently displayed simple virtual shapes to the memorized sizes of corresponding real objects. The sizes of the virtual objects have been calibrated in real space. With low system lag (i.e., high system performance), object sizes were underestimated. With high system lag participants perceived the virtual objects significantly larger than while experiencing the high performance condition. An explanation for this effect relying on a proposed cognitive averaging process of motion-dependent size cues has been suggested. In addition, an increase in estimation variance among participants has been detected when the system lag was increased. A control experiment (real-to-real objects size comparisons) proved good applicability of the estimation method used.
Towards a Scalable High Performance Application Platform for Immersive Virtual Environments
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Bues, Matthias; Blach, Roland; Stegmaier, Simon; Häfner, Ulrich; Hoffmann, Hilko; Haselberger, Frank; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Software for the development and generation of virtual environments used to run on specialized and expensive hardware. This situation has dramatically changed in the last two years. This paper describes a scalable high performance application platform for immersive environments using commodity hardware. Scalability will be obtained with a coarse cluster of specialized nodes, with emphasis on distributed real-time rendering. As data synchronization method a distributed shared memory approach is used. Dedicated to this hardware setup, a modular component oriented design is presented.
Volume Rendering in a Virtual Environment
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Schulze-Döbold, Jürgen; Wössner, Uwe; Walz, Steffen P.; Lang, Ulrich; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
This paper describes a flexible rendering system for scalar volume data which has been integrated into the visualization system COVISE. It allows direct volume rendering based on texture mapping hardware on both the desktop and in projection based virtual environments. Special care has been taken for the design and usability of the virtual reality user interface and for interactive frame rates. It features a new slider-less interaction window for the manipulation of the transfer function and methods for direct interaction with the volume data, such as a sub-volume probing mode. The interface has been evaluated in collaboration with a group of potential end users.
Design review and visualization steering using the INQUISITIVE interaction toolkit
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Sastry, L.; Boyd, D. R. S.; Wilson, M. D.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
This paper describes the architecture of an interaction toolkit for creating virtual environments. The toolkit contains interaction techniques, interaction objects such as menus, spanner and a runtime manager to interface to virtual reality development tools such as Maverik. The toolkit s use with a number of real-world applications in science and engineering and with different virtual reality development tools is also described. Future plans to provide an interactive interface are described.
Using Exercise Cycle as a Haptic Input Device in a Virtual Environment
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Välkkynen, Pasi; Heinilä, Juhani; Lainio, Sari; Lakaniemi, Sami; Väätänen, Antti; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
Virku (Virtual Fitness Centre) is a study, in which an exercise cycle is used for navigating in a virtual environment. The cycle acts as a haptic bodily user interface between the user and the simulation. The simulation takes the terrain of the virtual environment into account in order to provide better feedback of the environment for the user. We have found out in usability tests that this kind of interface enhances the user's feeling of immersion in the virtual environment.

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