After successful completion of the course, students are able to gain practical experience with VR-devices and applications. The gained knowledge concerns: history of VR, 3D display hardware, stereo projection, auto stereoscopic displays, head-mounted displays, 3D input hardware, tracking (optical, magnetical, inertial, mechanical, ...), depth imaging, haptic feedback, "exotic" devices: stimulate smell, balance, 3D scan..., VR set-up integration specifics.

A theoretical overview of common technologies and devices used in the implementation of virtual environments is supported by hands-on experience with VR-devices and applications. Historical and state-of-the-art 3D-display and 3D-tracking systems are introduced and discussed. Practical demonstrations allow the students to experience virtual environments first hand and gain insight in the use of the necessary hardware and implementation details. The main contents are: VR input and output devices (head-mounted displays, stereo-projection, etc.) - tracking methods for VR applications (optical, magnetical, inertial tracking) - navigation and interaction techniques.
Practical exercises can be implemented using existing frameworks with VR support, e.g. Unity or Unreal.

Presentation of theoretical concepts with slides, programming tasks.

Teamwork is possible and will be encouraged. Students can implement their work at home, but due to the dependency on virtual reality hardware, inmany cases at least part of the development has to be performed at the VRVis research center (www.vrvis.at).

Oral examination and submission interview.