Virtual Reality Interfaces for Virtual Environments

Abstract. In this article we define and classify virtual reality interfaces (VRI). The goal is to provide those interested in such interfaces with a solid and unified framework on VRI. This framework gives an overview of VRI, and allows one to see the different categories of VRI, the relations between them, the levels of analysis, and the terms used. The classification starts from the fact that, to exist and be used in a virtual world, the objects of this world first have to be created and to allow interaction with the user. This led us to define two sides in the classification. The Designer side concerns the modeling of objects and includes modeling interfaces. The User side concerns the interaction with the objects of the world, and includes three sets of interfaces: the sensorial interfaces to perceive the world, the motor skills interfaces to act in that world, and the sensorimotor interfaces which combine the two types of activities