On extending collaboration in virtual reality environments

We characterize the feature superset of Collaborative Virtual Reality Environments (CVREs) out of existing implementations, and derive a novel component framework for transforming standalone VR tools into full-fledged multithreaded collaborative environments. The contributions of our approach rely on cost-effective techniques for loading graphics rendering, user interaction and network communications software components into separate threads, with a top thread for session collaboration. The framework recasts VR tools under a scalable peer-to-peer topology for scene sharing, callback hooks for event broadcasting and multicamera perspectives of avatar interaction. We validate the framework by applying it to our own Alice VR navigator. Experimental results show good performance of our approach in the collaborative inspection of complex models.Postprint (published version

Collaboration in Immersive Environments: Challenges and Solutions

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools have been applied in all engineering fields in order to avoid the use of physical prototypes, to train in high-risk situations, and to interpret real or simulated results. In order to complete a shared task or assign tasks to the agents in such immersive environments, collaboration or Shared Cooperative Activities are a necessity. Collaboration in immersive environments is an emerging field of research that aims to study and enhance the ways in which people interact and work together in Virtual and Augmented Reality settings. Collaboration in immersive environments is a complex process that involves different factors such as communication, coordination, and social presence. This paper provides an overview of the current state of research on collaboration in immersive environments. It discusses the different types of immersive environments, including VR and AR, and the different forms of collaboration that can occur in these environments. The paper also highlights the challenges and limitations of collaboration in immersive environments, such as the lack of physical cues, cost and usability and the need for further research in this area. Overall, collaboration in immersive environments is a promising field with a wide range of potential applications, from education to industry, and it can benefit both individuals and groups by enhancing their ability to work together effectively

On extending collaboration in virtual reality environments

We characterize the feature superset of Collaborative Virtual Reality Environments (CVREs) out of existing implementations, and derive a novel component framework for transforming standalone VR tools into full-fledged multithreaded collaborative environments. The contributions of our approach rely on cost-effective techniques for loading graphics rendering, user interaction and network communications software components into separate threads, with a top thread for session collaboration. The framework recasts VR tools under a scalable peer-to-peer topology for scene sharing, callback hooks for event broadcasting and multicamera perspectives of avatar interaction. We validate the framework by applying it to our own Alice VR navigator. Experimental results show good performance of our approach in the collaborative inspection of complex models

On extending collaboration in virtual reality environments

We characterize the feature superset of Collaborative Virtual Reality Environments (CVREs) out of existing implementations, and derive a novel component framework for transforming standalone VR tools into full-fledged multithreaded collaborative environments. The contributions of our approach rely on cost-effective techniques for loading graphics rendering, user interaction and network communications software components into separate threads, with a top thread for session collaboration. The framework recasts VR tools under a scalable peer-to-peer topology for scene sharing, callback hooks for event broadcasting and multicamera perspectives of avatar interaction. We validate the framework by applying it to our own Alice VR navigator. Experimental results show good performance of our approach in the collaborative inspection of complex models