Bi-directional Energy Interfaces for Mixed Reality Design

Virtual Equivalence, a concept to implement bi-directional energy-based interfaces between real and virtual models, will be introduced. It consists of two steps: 1. replacement of a complex virtual circuit by a simplified equivalence and 2. connecting this simplified equivalence to a bi-directional power interface allowing interactions between the real and virtual circuits. An arbitrary circuit in the virtual environment can be substituted by a simplified uniform circuit which then can be physically implemented and connected to the real circuit in the real environment. The concept of continuous electric power flow (current × voltage), its theoretical foundation and its implementation as bidirectional mixed reality port are presented. Copyright © 2005 IFAC