Merging the worlds of atoms and bits: Augmented virtual environments

The issues related to advancements in creating interactive augmented virtual environments are discussed. Augmented reality seeks to replace users' perceptions of their real environment with computer-generated simulations and integrate digital information into the fabric of the physical world and enhance sensory perceptions. The research into immersive virtual environments has focused on the development of visualization tools and interaction techniques for multiple-user interaction. In a 3D visualization system, the support of multiple-user interactions and the maintenance of smooth transition and communication impose great challenges in both display and user interaction techniques. It is recommended that efforts should be made to develop the less-intrusive display technologies and novel visualization and interaction methods to support applications that involve heterogeneous data sets.