iDesktopVR

iDesktopVR is an adaptation for the iPhone / iPod touch of Johnny Chung Lee's WiiDesktopVR view-dependent rendering technique. This method renders 3D objects as if they are "floating" in front of the screen, producing a kind of "holographic" effect. This technology can be used in many types of applications such as games, scientific visualization and architectural walkthroughs.

iDesktopVR is a technology demonstration resulting from experiments with the iPhone.

In this version, the orientation of the screen relative to the viewer is determined using the accelerometers and the distance between the head and the screen is a fixed value. In other words, instead of physically moving your head in front of a TV screen, in this version you are manipulating the screen itself. Although the device can't interactively detect the distance between your head and the screen, a vertical slider at the right side lets you adjust the head distance value. The screen orientation is used to determine the roll (left/right) and pitch (up/down) angles for the head position.

The RESET button at the bottom right corner sets the calibration pose from the device orientation. After this, the pitch and roll angles will be determined as angle differences between the current orientation and the calibration pose. Pressing RESET also resets the head distance to its default value. Please note that using the accelerometers to detect pitch and roll angles works fine, except when the device is perpendicular to the gravity vector. The application may also be used while lying down and holding the device above your head, with the screen facing down.

The HUD button at the bottom left corner toggles the display of rendering options: Fog, Grid, Lines, Targets, and display of a 180 Degrees Panoramic image.

Pressing anywhere else on screen randomizes the target positions.