Implementation of a two-user display using stereoscopics

Abstract

The level of presence in a virtual environment depends on the extent to which the real world is shut out, the range of sensory elements the environment simulates, the extent of the panoramic view, and the resolution of the illusion. Many current virtual environment applications effectively address these presence issues for single users, but not for multiple users. Networked virtual environments address multiple user collaboration through real-time interaction of users in a shared environment. These systems provide effective communication between users, but do not address face-to-face collaboration. To address these needs, this thesis describes a two-user display which fully supports face-to-face collaboration. Each user has independent views of the environment while standing near one another and is able to communicate through voice and gesture. The design of the system includes stereo rendering and magnetic tracking technology. Stereo rendering technology is used to create two separate images that can be viewed independently. A magnetic tracker is used to detect the movement of each user's head. There are drawbacks, including ghosting, that affect the design's usability. Studies are needed to determine appropriate application mediums for this type of system.