REVERIE: Natural human interaction in virtual immersive environments

Abstract

REVERIE (REal and Virtual Engagement in Realistic Immersive Environments [1]) targets novel research to address the demanding challenges involved with developing state-of-theart technologies for online human interaction. The REVERIE framework enables users to meet, socialise and share experiences online by integrating cutting-edge technologies for 3D data acquisition and processing, networking, autonomy and real-time rendering. In this paper, we describe the innovative research that is showcased through the REVERIE integrated framework through richly defined use-cases which demonstrate the validity and potential for natural interaction in a virtual immersive and safe environment. Previews of the REVERIE demo and its key research components can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/REVERIEFP7.Index Terms-tele-immersion, avatars, virtual human interaction, 3D audio and visual content

User experience evaluation of human representation in collaborative virtual environments

“…This section discusses two use cases that drove the development of REVERIE [24] and two field studies that have been conducted to evaluate the following:…”

Navigation in REVERIE's virtual environments

“…Due to the large size of the virtual room, combined with the lack of free space in-between rows of desks, users 2 found it challenging to click precisely enough on an accessible position in the top view image. Attempts to manoeuvre close to desks were rejected when they were seen as attempts to reach an inaccessible area.…”

“…The REVERIE platform also has components that infer engagement of the user [2]. The automatic assignment of positions can be prioritized based on the level of engagement.…”

“…The presented system has been developed for such a case, as part of the EC 7 th Framework REVERIE project: REal and Virtual Engagement in Realistic Immersive Environments [1]. The navigation system has been implemented in a REVERIE use case scenario aimed at, but not limited to, the educational sector [2]. Real-world teachers and students can engage as a social group in a virtual educational field trip to a place of cultural significance.…”

A flexible calibration method of multiple Kinects for 3D human reconstruction

“…Enabling people at different locations to be able to collaborate and interact in a general environment allows for a lot of different applications, such as distant education or gaming. REVERIE [1] project aims to build such an immersive online environment where people can conduct realistic interpersonal communication and interaction. REVERIE envisages an ambient, content-centric Internet-based environment, highly flexible and secure, where people can work, meet, participate in live events, socialize and share experiences, as they do in real life, but without time, space and afford ability limitations.…”