Extended Reality Technologies

Extended Reality (XR) encompasses a spectrum of technologies that merge the physical world with digital elements, creating immersive experiences that transcend the limitations of traditional screens. It's an umbrella term encompassing three main categories: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). AR and VR are inherently interdisciplinary fields, combining elements of computer science, design, cognitive psychology, engineering and more. Extended Reality Technologies is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving field of extended reality. XR encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies, which are increasingly being used in various industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, architecture, and entertainment. This course will cover the fundamental principles, technologies, applications, and design considerations of XR systems. The participants will learn about the underlying hardware and software components of XR devices, including head-mounted displays, motion tracking systems, and haptic interfaces. They will also explore the principles of immersive user interface design, 3D modeling, and software development tools. By the end of the course, the participants will have the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and evaluate XR applications and experiences for different domains.

Module 1: Introduction to XR

· Fundamentals of AR, VR and MR

· Historical Evolution

· Current Trends

· Future of XR and Career Opportunities

Module 2: XR Hardware and Software

· Hardware XR systems

· VR Headsets

· AR display devices, glasses

· MR Devices

· Software and Development Tools

Module 3: Human -computer Interaction for XR

· Human - Computer Interaction for XR Systems

· Perception

· Navigation

· Interaction Design (Voice, Gestures, Tracking)

Module 4: Fundamentals of 3D Modeling for XR

· Geometric modeling Concepts

· Software Tools for 3D Modelling

· Asset Creation & Optimization

Module 5: Augmented Reality (AR)

· Components of an AR systems

· Different types of AR

· Popular AR Development platforms with a brief overview

Module 6: Building Basic AR Experiences

· Setting up AR development tools on chosen platform

· Introduction to scripting and programming basics (logic and functionalities).

· Working with location-based AR features.

Module 7: Virtual reality

· VR Development Environments and SDKs

· Scripting & Programming for Interactivity

Module 8: Building Basic VR Experiences

· Building Immersive VR Environments with Unreal and Oculus SDK

· Case studies in different domains