Tangible Virtuality: Towards Implementation of the Core Functionality
Imre Horva´th, Zolta´n Rusa´k, Wilhelm Frederik van der Vegte, Eliab Z. Opiyo · 2008
This paper reports on the results of the first phase of the research in tangible virtuality. This is a specific implementation of virtual reality with the goal to generate air-borne virtual objects, to simulate their physical behavior, and to enable interaction between virtual objects and humans. There are many application areas for tangible virtuality such as laparoscopic surgery, conceptual design, virtual presence, e-learning, web-hosted object retrieval, product analysis, etc. First, the paper analyses the functions and affordances of tangible virtuality, presents a formal specification for virtual objects, and studies their observable physical properties. Then, it discusses natural expression of virtual objects, air-borne volumetric visualization, tactile, haptic and auditory sensing, and simulation of physical behavior, and manipulative interaction with virtual objects. Finally, some issues related to functional integration and real-time computational are discussed. The paper demonstrates the results that have been achieved so far by the research team of the authors in terms of a theoretical clarification and practical implementation of a basic functionality for tangible virtuality. The conclusion is that, though the first steps are promising, but a lot of research and, in particular, new ideas, inventions and technologies are needed for a full scale implementation. The follow up phases of the research will focus on dedicated technology development, system integration, and user trials.