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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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.
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.
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.
Spelunking: Experiences using the DIVE System on CAVE-like Platforms
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Steed, Anthony; Mortensen, Jesper; Frécon, Emmanuel; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
The Distributed Interactive Virtual Environment (DIVE) system is a mature toolkit that has been used for prototyping many collaborative virtual environment (CVE) applications [3]. Until recently, support for immersive systems has been limited to custom support for specific installations and the emphasis has been on broad support for desktop interfaces. Recently we have ported DIVE to the CAVElib environment and this paper describes application programming support for immersive users and our experience in using wide-area distributed applications involving immersive projection technologies. The resulting toolkit provides a very flexible system with which to build distributed VE applications involving a variety of platforms and interfaces.
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.
Perception and Mental Rotation of 3D-Freeform Surfaces in an Immersive Projection System
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Gaggioli, Andrea; Breining, Ralf; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
This paper reports on three experiments performed to examine the effects of different visualization techniques of 3D computer-generated freeform surfaces on subjects perceptual and cognitive performance while doing CADrelated activities in an immersive VR system. Experimental perceptual and cognitive tasks included depth size estimation of a single 3D object (exp. 1), estimation of depth differences between two 3D objects (exp. 2) and mental rotation of 3D objects (exp. 3). Dependent variables were accuracy (exp. 1, 2 and 3) and response time (exp. 3). The visualization techniques we investigated were presence versus absence of binocular disparity, four different types of graphic image (wireframe, flat shading, Gouraud shading and Gouraud shading with surface normals) and two levels of shape complexity. Results showed a positive effect of binocular disparity on perceptual performance (esp. 1), in particular when concave 3D shapes were used as stimuli (esp. 2), but a limited positive effect of stereopsis on mental rotation. Furthermore, results indicated that subjects were faster in mentally rotating 3D shapes rendered with more realistic techniques, whereas perceptual estimates were found more accurate and easier when observers were presented with less realistic rendered surfaces (exp. 1-2).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Presence a global media quality metric
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) Lessiter, J.; Freeman, J.; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
In this paper presence (a sense of being there in a mediated environment) is proposed as a global quality metric with which to evaluate advanced multi-modal media systems. The development of a new presence selfreport measure, the ITC-Sense of Presence Inventory (ITC-SOPI), is described that comprises four empirically derived scales: Sense of Physical Space, Engagement, Ecological Validity, and Negative Effects. Two applications of the ITC-SOPI are presented. Using both controlled and uncontrolled experimental designs, the sensitivity of the ITC-SOPI scales to degree of physical immersivity (e.g., large vs. small format; monoscopic vs. stereoscopic viewing condition) is demonstrated. These preliminary results suggest that the ITC-SOPI is a valid tool with which to evaluate experiential aspects of immersive technology.
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.
Remote View-Dependent Rendering
(The Eurographics Association, 2001) El-Sana, Jihad; B. Froehlich and J. Deisinger and H.-J. Bullinger
In this paper we are presenting a novel approach that enables rendering large-shared datasets at interactive rates on a remote inexpensive workstations. Our algorithm is based on view-dependent rendering and client-server technologies. In our approach, servers host large datasets and manage the selection of the various levels of detail, while clients receive blocks of update operations which are used to generate the appropriate level of detail in an incremental fashion. We assume that servers are capable machines in term of storage capacity and computational power while clients are inexpensive workstation that have limited 3D rendering capabilities. To avoid network latency we have introduced two powerful mechanisms that cache the adapt operation blocks on the clients' side and predict the future view-parameters of clients based on their recent behavior history. Our approach dramatically reduces the amount of memory needed by each client and the entire computing system since the dataset is stored only once in the local memory of the server. In addition, it decreases the load on the network as a result of the incremental update contributed by view-dependent rendering.
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.
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.

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