Hybrid Rendering in a Multi-framework VR System

Abstract

The work addresses the topic of software integration in the context of complex Virtual Reality applications. We propose a novel method to render in a single graphical context objects handled by separate programs based on different VR frameworks, even when the various applications are running on different machines. Our technique is based on a network rendering architecture, where both origin and destination applications communicate through a set of protocols that deliver compressed graphical instructions and keep the machines synchronized. Existing applications require minimal changes in order to be compatible with our system; in particular we tested the validity of our approach on a number of rendering frameworks (Ogre3D, OpenSceneGraph, Torque, XVR). We believe that our technique can solve many integration burdens typically encountered in practical situations.