Virtual Shadows in Mixed Reality Environment Using Flashlight-like Devices

Abstract

We propose the concepts of Virtual Light and Virtual Shadow with the aim of achieving a Mixed Reality Environment focused on shadows. In this proposal, we divide the concept of Virtual Shadow into four categories, and among them, implement four types of interactive applications: (a) real to virtual shadow for rigid objects, (b) real to virtual shadow for non-rigid objects, (c) image-based virtual to virtual shadow, and (d) virtual to real shadow. In these applications, we can see the shadow of a real object projected onto the virtual world and vice versa. These proposed concepts and applications should contribute to the realization of a Mixed Reality Environment that provides a novel sense of visual interaction.