Intercept tags: enhancing intercept-based systems

In some virtual reality (VR) systems, OpenGL intercept methods are used to capture and render a desktop application's OpenGL calls within an immersive display. These systems often suffer from lower frame rates due to network bandwidth limitations, implementation of the intercept routine, and in some cases, the intercepted application's frame rate. To mitigate these issues and to enhance intercept-based systems in other ways, we present intercept tags, which are OpenGL geometries that are interpreted instead of rendered. We have identified and developed several uses for intercept tags, including hand-off interactions, display techniques, and visual enhancements. To demonstrate the value of intercept tags, we conducted a user study to compare a simple virtual hand technique implemented with and without intercept tags. Our results show that intercept tags significantly improve user performance and experience.