Mixed reality

Mixed reality (MR) is a term used to describe the merging of a real-world environment and a computer-generated one. Physical and virtual objects may co-exist in mixed reality environments and interact in real time. Mixed reality that incorporates haptics has sometimes been referred to as Visuo-haptic mixed reality. In a physics context, the term "interreality system" refers to a virtual reality system coupled with its real-world counterpart. A 2007 paper describes an interreality system comprising a real physical pendulum coupled to a pendulum that only exists in virtual reality. This system has two stable states of motion: a "Dual Reality" state in which the motion of the two pendula are uncorrelated, and a "Mixed Reality" state in which the pendula exhibit stable phase-locked motion, which is highly correlated. The use of the terms "mixed reality" and "interreality" is clearly defined in the context of physics and may be slightly different in other fields, however, it is generally

Wearable Mixed Reality System In Less Than 1 Pound

Achille Peternier, Daniel Thalmann, Frédéric Vexo

We have designed a wearable Mixed Reality (MR) framework which allows to real-time render game-like 3D scenes on see-through head-mounted displays (see through HMDs) and to localize the user position within aknown internet wireless area. Our equipment weights less than 1 Pound (0.45 Kilos). The information visualized on the mobile device could be sent on-demand from a remote server and realtime rendered onboard.We present our PDA-based platform as a valid alternative to use in wearable MR contexts under less mobility and encumbering constraints: our approach eliminates the typical backpack with a laptop, a GPS antenna and a heavy HMD usually required in this cases. A discussion about our results and user experiences with our approach using a handheld for 3D rendering is presented as well.

2006

Mental vision

Achille Peternier

Despite the wide amount of computer graphics frameworks and solutions available for virtual reality, it is still difficult to find a perfect one fitting at the same time the many constraints of research and educational contexts. Advanced functionalities and user-friendliness, rendering speed and portability, or scalability and image quality are opposite characteristics rarely found into a same approach. Furthermore, fruition of virtual reality specific devices like CAVEs or wearable systems is limited by their costs and accessibility, being most of these innovations reserved to institutions and specialists able to afford and manage them through strong background knowledge in programming. Finally, computer graphics and virtual reality are a complex and difficult matter to learn, due to the heterogeneity of notions a developer needs to practice with before attempting to implement a full virtual environment. In this thesis we describe our contributions to these topics, assembled in what we called the Mental Vision platform. Mental Vision is a framework composed of three main entities. First, a teaching/research oriented graphics engine, simplifying access to 2D/3D real-time rendering on mobile devices, personal computers and CAVE systems. Second, a series of pedagogical modules to introduce and practice computer graphics and virtual reality techniques. Third, two advanced VR systems: a wearable, lightweight and handsfree mixed reality setup, and a four sides CAVE designed through off the shelf hardware. In this dissertation we explain our conceptual, architectural and technical approach, pointing out how we managed to create a robust and coherent solution reducing complexity related to cross-platform and multi-device 3D rendering, and answering simultaneously to contradictory common needs of computer graphics and virtual reality for researchers and students. A series of case studies evaluates how Mental Vision concretely satisfies these needs and achieves its goals on in vitro benchmarks and in vivo scientific and educational projects.

EPFL2009

Mental vision

Achille Peternier

EPFL2009

Mixed Reality: A Survey

Wearable Mixed Reality System In Less Than 1 Pound

Mental vision

Mixed Reality: A Survey

Mental vision

Wearable Mixed Reality System In Less Than 1 Pound