A framework for the structured design of VR/AR content

Abstract

We describe a framework that allows to easily design and implement virtual and augmented reality worlds. Based on a structured design approach for interactive animated 3D conten we want to supply designers and content experts of complex virtual environments with a component based to olset for the structured design of the visual and abstract components of 3D applications. KeywordsVirtual and Augmented Reality, Design Framework, Interactive 3D Animation. 1o INTRODUCTIONRecent advances in 3D computer graphics have allowed application developers to integrate .animated 3D graphics in their work without being burdened by low level details. While technical advances have laid the foundation for wide spread use of interactive 3D [24], there is still a significant lack of design experience and dedicated tools that would allow a seamless integration of interactive 3D components in cunent multimedia applications. Most often the development of 3D content requires an ad-hoc realisation that is implemented from scratch resulting in unacceptable development costs.To address these problems we are concerned with the structured design of interactive animated 3D content. An important point is the applicability of our approach in a wide range of application areas (multimedia / 3D / VR / AR) and hardware/software configurations ranging from mobile devices over standard PCs to graphics super computers and parallel processing architectures. Moreover, we want to support content expert users (i.e. designers) and not only technical experts (i.e, 3D programmers). Current application areas include interactive 3D illustrations of technical systems, animated 3D user interfaces and the visualization of simulation results. It is our aim to provide content experts with a methodology and a corresponding toolset that supports a high level design view of the application and at the same time allows of VPJAR Content designers to have fine control over their creation.Based on previous experiences in tool support for interactive 3D worlds, e.g.[19,S], we have developed i4D, a framework for the structured design of animated VR/AR content based on reusable elements (components) that can be used in a large number of applications. Our approach extends a design methodology with high level tools for the design of visual 3D components. The concepts and tools have been validated in a number of relevant application scenarios. DESIGN OF INTERACTIVE VR / AR CONTENTA previous study of 3D development projects in the education domain identified a number of ke -problems in the design and development of interactive 3D content [2,3] , The lack of an appropriate conceptual model hinders the design process and renders the communication between stakeholders in the design process difficult. Conceptual design tools adopted from conventional media design (e.g. storyboards) fail to address the special requirements of viewer interaction and dynamic content.• The lack of a structured design process makes it difficult for designers and developers to bridge the large conceptual ga...

A Virtual World Grammar for automatic generation of virtual worlds

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