HoloSketch: A Virtual Reality Sketching/ Animation Tool

MICHAEL F. DEERING

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Summary:

HoloSketch, which is described in the paper, was to create as an easy to use virtual reality 3D geometry creation and manipulation tool using head tracking, stereo shutter glasses and wand manipulation. Up to this point virtual reality technology has not been used for mass market applications. A possible reason for this is attributed to the resolution limitations of head mounted displays.

Unlike other systems, HoloSketch 3D objects are constructed in a 3D environment using head tracking. The objects are fixed not only in 3D space, but also in scale, and are not subject to distortion or “swimming” traditionally caused by to changes in viewing position. This independence of viewing position makes this system unique, in fact a ruler can even be held up to the objects in virtual space.

The presentation of tool pallets is arranged to overcome the traditional 2D problems of superimposition by remaining in 3D and dissolving between the objects and the radially arranged pallet. Sub menus are also supported. Selection is made by poking and impaling menu items with the wand. Traditional functions such as the creation of object primitives, grouping objects and attributes are supported. The editing features take advantage of a naturalistic grasping action on the wand combined with key strokes for moving operations. In addition there is a 10X reduction in wand sensitivity to reduce jitter. More advanced features such as rotation of objects about an axis can be achieved without numeric entry, scaling, flight path, environment, as well as looped movies to name a few. The standardization of units enables screen size independence.

The system was tested as whole by a graphic artist over the period of a month and determined to be easy to use after an initial adaptation period. In particular it seemed difficult to let go of traditional 2D habits of not moving ones head in order to take full advantage of the 3D virtual reality nature of the system.

Discussion:

The article presents a very powerful and well executed 3D drawing environment. In particular the use of head tracking to enable 3D objects to remain fixed as the viewer examines them from different angles is quite unique and of tremendous value. The head tracking system combined with dynamic calibration for inter ocular separation working seamlessly in the background to achieve this is impressive. However as is mentioned in the article, due to differences in the fundamental architecture of traditional applications it would make compatibility with HoloSketch technology difficult. At the time of publication, in view of the features offered by HoloSketch this may not have been a disadvantage. The evaluation of the system certainly needs more than one individual test, and more information on the implementation of the wand would have been most welcome.

Since the publication of this article, the applications of this system outside 3D drawing have range from remote control robot surgery to industrial, hostile environment and military applications.