Virtual Reality

The course presents the general concepts, the taxonomy and the applications of Virtual Reality Systems. It also analyses the models of environment representation and the possible metaphors that can be used for user’s interaction with the virtual world. The animation techniques that can be used for real-time motion of objects and actors are presented, while issues of physically based modeling and collision detection and response, that are necessary in believable virtual environments are introduced. The autonomous synthetic characters and the relevant technology is analyzed, while there is a detailed presentation of virtual reality hardware, such as data gloves and head mounted displays. Finally, special emphasis is given in design and evaluation methods, in metaphor and interaction design, as well as in development methods. The Open Simulator environment and the LSL language are presented and the students use it in the laboratories to design and implement a virtual world and the respective user interactions

Objectives

The aim of this course is to present the area of Virtual Reality and its use as an advanced interaction medium, to familiarize students with the relevant hardware and software technology, and to teach them the methodologies of designing and implementing virtual environments.

Prerequisites

None

Syllabus

The course presents the general concepts, the taxonomy and the applications of Virtual Reality Systems. It also analyses the models of environment representation and the possible metaphors that can be used for user’s interaction with the virtual world. The animation techniques that can be used for real-time motion of objects and actors are presented, while issues of physically based modeling and collision detection and response, that are necessary in believable virtual environments are introduced. The autonomous synthetic characters and the relevant technology is analyzed, while there is a detailed presentation of virtual reality hardware, such as data gloves and head mounted displays. Finally, special emphasis is given in design and evaluation methods, in metaphor and interaction design, as well as in development methods. The Open Simulator environment and the LSL language are presented and the students use it in the laboratories to design and implement a virtual world and the respective user interactions