M. Hirose et al., AN ALTERNATE WAY TO GENERATE VIRTUAL WORLDS - A STUDY OF IMAGE-PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR SYNTHETIC SENSATIONS, Presence, 5(1), 1995, pp. 61-71
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Controlo Theory & Cybernetics","Computer Science Cybernetics","Computer Science Software Graphycs Programming
During recent years, the use of virtual reality technology has become
widespread and popular. However, to further broaden the application of
virtual reality, more sophisticated and realistic virtual worlds need
to be developed. Traditionally, most virtual worlds are generated usi
ng three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics incorporating 3D geometric
models and various rendering software. However, if 3D models become v
ery complex, the delay time caused by rendering calculations makes it
difficult for the user to be able to interact with the virtual world.
Also, the production of realistic 3D computer graphics is very cost an
d labor intensive. From a very practical point of view, it is clear th
at we need some alternate approaches to realize a truly realistic virt
ual world. In this paper, the authors introduce an alternate method of
generating virtual worlds other than 3D computer graphics. The method
discussed here is to generate virtual worlds by processing 2D real im
ages taken by video cameras. For this purpose, a special video camera
system that can record image data indexed by position data was develop
ed. Using recorded image data indexed by position data we are able to
experience the virtual image world interactively. This method has beco
me realistic due to advances in multimedia computers capable of handli
ng large image data. A tested prototype of this kind of system is disc
ussed in some depth, along with the capability and limitations of this
prototype system.