Physically based simulation has been used to a limited degree in virtual reality (VR) because of the performance demands imposed by the real-time requirement. Simulating complex physical models in VR is attractive as it adds a richness of detail to virtual environments which is valuable in a number of application areas. In order to successfully use physical simulation in VR it is essential to r...

Presence is a phenomenon widely studied by different scientific disciplines. It can be defined as the feeling of being immersed in a reality generated by a range of simulation and immersive technologies, like virtual reality (VR) and related technologies. In this paper we explore a particular variety of this feeling, namely sexual presence, using evolutionary psychology as a theoretical framewo...

In this paper we report on the navigation in a virtual environment by the output signal of an EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). Such a BCI transforms bioelectrical brain signals, modified by mental activity into a control signal. At this time only 1-D or 2-D BCI feedbacks are used. The graphical possibilities of virtual reality (VR) should help to improve BCI-feedback presentations and ...

A significant problem in scientific visualization is how to create modular, interactive, and dynamic virtual reality (VR) applications that efficiently visualize large datasets. One of the obstacles often encountered is the high degree of complexity and specialized knowledge involved in creating parallel visualization applications. Designing a framework especially for this purpose, seems like a...

This paper discusses the significance of the multimodal interaction in virtual environments (VE) and the criticalities involved in integration and coordination between modes during interaction. Also, we present an architecture and design of the integration mechanism with respect to information access in second language learning. In this connection, we have conducted an experiential study on spe...

We have developed a virtual reality (VR) system that integrates a three-dimensional tracking device with a video-capture VR platform to record upper limb movements. The influence of target velocity on planning and execution of reaching movements was studied in five healthy subjects. Our initial results suggest that a target's velocity is considered when planning an interceptive action and that ...

This paper describes VegoWelt a smart virtual environment that supports human design activities. The research combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and Virtual Reality (VR) technology. In particular the approach of Conceptual Analogy (Börner, 1997) is applied to provide generative and adaptive design support for human problem solving in an assistant-like fashion.

This paper examines how relations of trust are established and maintained in shared virtual environments (VE’s). The paper deals mainly with Activeworlds, an online multi-user desktop virtual reality (VR) system that has attracted many hundreds of thousands of users. We argue that the nature of trust depends on the social setting – in this case, a shared VE that is mainly used for entertainment...

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are enabling a wide range of new opportunities for the user. For example, in the near future users may be able to visit virtual shopping malls and virtually join international conferences. These and many other scenarios pose new questions with regards to privacy and security, in particular authentication of users within the virtual environment. As a first step towa...

Immersive virtual environments (VEs) provide participants with computer-generated environments filled with virtual objects to assist in learning, training, and practicing dangerous and/or expensive tasks. But does having every object being virtual inhibit the interactivity and effectiveness for certain tasks? Further, does the visual fidelity of the virtual objects affect performance? If partic...