SONAR - Social Networks in Virtual Reality - An immersive 3D browser for Last.FM
The inherent structure of social networks is hidden in todays web portals. The task of SONAR, Social Networks in Virtual Reality, is to reveal the network structure, to make it interactively explorable, and to create an immersive user experience of the social network.
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Classic 3D User Interaction Techniques for Immersive Virtual Reality Revisited
This project of Artificial Intelligence Group at University of Bielefeld demonstrates classic 3D user interaction techniques for navigation/travel, selection and manipulation applied to a virtual supermarket scenario. The implementations, a user study and the video have been done by our student group "Interaction in Virtual Reality" in fall/winter 2009/2010 for a video submission to the Grand Price contest of the 3D User Interfaces conference in 2010.
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EADS TouchLab
The EADS TouchLab is an outstanding multimedia installation realized and developed by the agency NewMedia Yuppies GmbH. The table is placed within a multimedia environment and used as a next generation simulation and presentation tool for the client EADS. Together with the cooperation partner Fraunhofer IGD in Darmstadt, NMY brought an advanced system on track, which enables the user to fully interact within a 3D space in realtime using multitouch gestures. The installation is based on the InstantReality framework.
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Display Explorer
Interactive kiosk for Merck Darmstadt informing about the behaviour of liquid crystals in flat screens through a realtime 3D-simulation. Ten custom designed portable terminals with touch-screen and 20"-auto-stereoscopic display for trade shows and permanent exhibitions worldwide. The 3D-scene is rendered and animated with instantplayer and controlled by a Flash-Application via TCP/IP-Socket. Concept, terminal design and 3D-application programming by Invirt GmbH for CAPCom AG. Methods for driving the Philips-3D-Display and a GLSL-Shader for the simulation of an etching process were developed by Fraunhofer IGD.
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Haptic Rendering for Virtual Reality Simulations
Interactive VR simulations consist of visual and haptic feedback. The haptic signals are displayed to a human operator through a haptic device at a rate of 1kHz. The research of the DLR institute of robotics and mechatronics on this project comprises design and control of light-weight robots for haptic interaction, as well as volume based haptic rendering. Typical applications are assembly simulations, training of mechanics, and skill transfer.
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Space Debris Visualization
With more and more man-made objects orbiting the Earth - most of them junk and high velocity debris - space travel and maintaining satellite orbits is becoming increasingly problematic. To illustrate the dangers of the more than 12000 tracked (and 600000 estimated) objects, ESA uses InstantReality to visualize the distribution and temporal variation of these objects. The results can be viewed either in real time, but they have also been compiled into an informative video, which is available at the ESOC in Darmstadt.
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Augmented Reality Sightseeing
At CeBIT 2009 Fraunhofer IGD presented Augmented Reality technology for assistant living using the example of Berlin. Center of the project was a table with a satellite image of Berlin on which a 3D model of the Berlin Wall and the urban development from 1940 - 2008 are displayed. Therefore urban grain plans showing areas covered with buildings is augmented on the satellite image. The visualization was presented on UMPCs and the iPhone via video seethrough. Furthermore posters showed the system working outdoors. Historic photographs are seamless superimposed and showing the development of landmarks. The interface is kept very simple by fading in information and overlays context and location-sensitive.
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Educational 3D Visualization of Astronaut Motion in Microgravity
In this joint project of the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the MIT Office of Educational Innovation and Technology, researchers collaborated with visual artists to create three-dimensional visualizations of astronaut motion in microgravity. Through the graphical user interface, which is implemented in X3D, students can interactively explore how astronauts rotate in a microgravity environment without using any external torques, i.e. without contact from the surroundings. These rotations are simulated with results from recent research in astronautics [Stirling, Ph.D. thesis, 2008] using mathematical algorithms that implement core curriculum concepts, such as conservation of linear and angular momentum. The computer character, which was modeled and texture-mapped in Maya®, wears a next generation astronaut space suit which MIT researchers develop for NASA.
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Radiohead's 'House of Cards'
Radiohead released the 3d data of their video ‘House of Cards’ under the Creative Commons license. We wrote a converter script that creates an animated ParticleSet from the csv point data. The result is a real-time rendered music video you can walk through. The new Heyewall 2.0 renders the data on a 8160 x 4000 pixel resolution.
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Multi-Touch 3D Architecture Application at CeBIT 2008
IGD's multi-touch table application for visualization of 3D architectural models presented at CeBIT 2008. It features several scalable architectural 2D plans. Multiple users can move and zoom these plans like you know it from other multi-touch applications. But the key feature is the tile with a high quality 3D view of the building. We implemented the multi-touch 3D camera gestures we introduced last year: You are grabbing a plan with the left hand. One finger of right hand moves the camera through the 3D model. The second finger defines the orientation of the camera. This enables incredible cinematic camera movements in 3D. When the second finger points on a certain object on the plan and the first finger moves around it the 3D camera moves around that object while keeping it on focus.
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iTACITUS
iTACITUS is a sixth framework programme project and aims to privide a mobile cultural heritage information system for the individual. By combining itinerary planning, navigation and rich content on-site information, based upon a dispersed repository of historical and cultural resources it enables a complete information system and media experience for historical interested travellers. IGD's part is the development of a “Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) Guide Framework†for Cultural Heritage (CH) sites. The framework delivers advanced markerless tracking on mobile computers as well as new interaction paradigms in AR featuring touch and motion capabilities. In addition to visual components like annotated landscapes and superimposed environments the framework will feature a reactive accoustic AR module.
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VRAx
VRAx® denotes a platform for designing machine tools that is based on Virtual Reality (VR) technologies analogous to existing CAx tools. VR technology is used as an active development and design medium in this process, and data created in VR are recirculated into the overall development process. Variants of machine tools with parallel kinematics can readily be created by combining a modular approach with free modeling functionality. This reduces the development times of new machine tools by the direct implementation of the customer's wishes in an immersive environment and with considerably increased transparency of the development process. This is achieved by consistent integration of VR into the development and design process. Starting from a building block system of components of machine tools with parallel kinematics (PKM), functions for freeform modeling and optimizing the machine structure become available.
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ParaMEDIC at SuperComputing 2007
Virginia Tech's ParaMEDIC (Parallel Metadata Environment for Distributed I/O and Computing) won the Storage Challenge at IEEE/ACM International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis (). ParaMEDIC is a high-performance and portable framework to decouple computation and I/O in applications that require large quantities of both resources simultaneously. The visualization at the Virginia Tech's Booth was rendered on 4 monitors with instant player and on one monitor in Argonne National Lab's booth.
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Augmented Reality Measuring System
In order to identify differences between physical and digital mock-ups, which do not match exactly, and to transfer those differences back into CAD format, we developed an AR based measuring system. The system allows matching the CAD data with real mock-ups and documenting differences between them. Essential functions like measurement and online construction are provided, allowing the end-users to create information in AR space and feeding them back into the CAD model. The application was developed within an authoring tool based on the instant*reality*-framework. Furthermore, it was presented on ISMAR '07. The tool was developed for the needs of the submarine engineering of (Howaldtswerke - Deutsche Werft GmbH), who also funded the project.
Coperion Visualization at K Fair
We developed together with Design and Systems Institute a technical information visualization based on our multi-touch table and an 8 meter wide HD projection. The complete interactive plastics production process was presented at K trade fair on Coperion group's (global market leader for compounding systems) booth. It enables users to see and understand complex and invisible processes inside the machines via a simple multi-touch interface.
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Virtual Graffiti at the International Automotive Fair (IAA)
Virtual Graffiti was the eye-catcher of the booth of car manufacturer SMART at this years . The new design and technology of Virtual Graffiti make it easy-to-install and easy-to-use. Many new features, such as automatic sending of the painting at your e-mail address, are now available.
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InViS - Integrated Virtual Shipbuilding
The BMBF-funded project InViS (Integrated Virtual Shipbuilding) aimed at developing innovative tools for the product development and at their integration and introduction in shipbuilding industry. Focus was laid on concepts for integration of Virtual Reality (VR), tele-cooperation and simulation in the product development process. On top of the integration platform the instantreality player was used as tool that provides interactive operation capability to the platform's services.
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Architecture Visualisation – Messe Frankfurt GmbH
To validate the architecture of the planned exhibition halls the Ҡis using the instant reality player for interactive exploring the architectural 3-D models. Starting from the architectural 2-D plans a high quality 3-D model of the booth area has been generated by “â€. This model is visualised using the “instant player†within a CAVE environment and on the . Therefore the “walk mode†has been implemented realising intuitive navigation through the VR model. In contrast to the free 3-D flying mode the walk mode avoids the penetration of walls and it supports a walking simulation on floors and stairs. Thus an intuitive navigation algorithm has been realized that is dedicated to users that have no experiences in 3-D computer graphics. Using this architecture visualisation the decision making process of the architecture planning had been supported. VR visualisation of architecture has been proofed as a valuable planning tool.
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Kaskade
Kaskade is an interactive, stereoscopic X3D installation visualising parasitic behaviour. Using a WiiMote the user can navigate through a continously reconfiguring landscape made up of a 7x7 grid whose cells are controlled by a modified Game-Of-Life algorithm with four states. Each algorithm state is mapped to one of four visual representations: desert, forest, city and industry. These representations are fully animated for setup and tear down making the landscape an unpredictable, ever-changing world to explore. Using GLSL-Shaders a sketched look was realized. The project was developed as diploma thesis at the CrossMediaLab of the HfG Offenbach.
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Virtual Graffiti
IGD/CAMTech's Virtual Graffiti was selected to be exhibited in Singapore Science Centre's iFuture exhibition from December 2006 to April 2007. During the iFuture Opening on 10 Dec 2006, Guest of Honour, President S.R Nathan and Dr Tony Tan were present to grace the event.
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Interactive Goal Keeper
The interactive goal keeper-game is a virtual application for audience entertainment to use on exhibitions and on sales promotion. Via camera, the player beomes integrated into the virtual soccer scene. As a goalkeeper, the player has to catch the computer-animated balls. During the game a photo of the player will be taken and printed afterwards including the respective company's branding.
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Visualization of Statistics in Virtual Reality
This project tries to find new possibilities for the representation of high statistic values by using the endless virtual space. One can operate, inspect and thus physically experience huge diagrams in the virtual reality by means of an avatar. To make the diagrams more seizable one can compare them with objects e.g. the Eiffel Tower. The user can operate and navigate different layers with different topics by means of two interface devices – a gamepad and a hmd. Sensors of touch and proximity induce the growth of diagrams and the representation of dynamic information. The project was developed as diploma thesis at the and the institute .
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Cybersaw - A Mixed Reality Chainsaw
Fraunhofer IGD created an entertaining chainsaw simulation for the worldwide leading chainsaw manufacturers . The project simulates a typical working scenario with chainsaws via Mixed Reality technology. The main attraction is its interaction device: a real chainsaw with haptic and tracking capabilities.
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Vivera - Photorealistic Rendering
The presented the installation "Photorealistic Rendering" durng CeBIT 2006. The installation shows a 3D model of a BMW 1 Series car rendered in photorealistic quality. To expose the link between "photography" and "rendering" a light table with photographies of the car is used as interation device. When a user touches a photography the virtual camera shows the rendered car moves in the same position as on the photo.
Coperion - Bulk Material Plant Visualization
The is the global market and technology leader for compounding systems, bulk materials plants and components. The institute and used the instant technology to create a real time visualization of Coperion's bulk materials plants. instant's powerful particle system made it possible to simulate the complex internal processes and the flow of different bulk materials in real time.
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MovableScreen
MovableScreen is a new Human-Computer-Interface where the display itself acts as an interfaces and a navigation system. It consists of an Apple iMac mounted on a 360° rotating pillar. The vertical rotation of the pillar is directly mapped on the virtual camera. The horizontal rotation is achieved by tracking the users head with the built-in camera. The Strength of the system lies in architectual walkthroughs and the presentations of cultural heritage artefacts.
Virtual Cathedral of Siena
The developed a virtual model of the cathedral on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology. A very detailed model of the interior of the cathedral were developed. Special attractions represent the hexagonal cupola as well as the Piccolomini library. Beside a detail-faithful model complex elumination simulations provides for a photo-realistic representation. The project was first presented on the EXPO 2000 in Hannover. Later the project has been modified for presentation on Fraunhofer IGD's and .
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Virtual Human
The project Virtual Human is about completely new questions of autonomous planning of animation and dialogue behavior of virtual characters as well as their photo-realistic representation in realtime - in contrast to pre-animated virtual actors in films or the avatars in chatrooms or teleconferences. The acceptance of the virtual dialog partner substantially depends on his visual appearance. Highest quality of the computer-graphic representation and natural movements, gestures and face expressions are therefore the main work topics in the project.
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Archeoguide
With Archeoguide, a new and fascinating approach has become reality, offering the visitor on-demand information in compelling new ways. Being equipped with the Archeoguide system, the visitor can explore an ancient site on his own while getting a realistic impression of its original shape. The visitor can view virtual reconstructions of monuments appearing at their original surroundings at the time he is looking at their remains. Moreover, dynamic images such as virtualised historical sports events can also be incorporated into the visitor's view, and he can discover what life was like back in the past.
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Interactive Planetarium
The Interactive Planetarium takes you to a journey into the orbit, the solar system and the milky way. Experience a black hole and the vulcans on Jupiter's moon Titan.
Vivera Medical Visualization
The aim of the competence network (funded by ) is the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality in industrial and medical applications. This medical volume rendering system has been developed with the instant framework.
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Driving Simulator
A driving simulator which constructs the street data (e.g. geometry) in real-time from common Navigation-CD datasets. Used in a multiscreen environment with some custom hardware (extra pipe for rearview mirror).