Flatworld: a Mixed Reality Environment for Simulation and Training

The FlatWorld project at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is developing a virtual reality environment which allows users to walk and run freely among simulated rooms, buildings, and streets. The system integrates Hollywood set construction techniques with state of the art computer graphics and immersive display technology. FlatWorld provides a powerful, flexible tool for experiential simulation and training. The system is cost effective, and its architecture is upgradeable allowing the incorporation of new virtual reality technologies as they become available.