From: stuart@nynexst.com (Rory Stuart)
Subject: TECH: VR algorithms

I am curious whether any sci.v-w readers have useful ways of 
thinking about the categories of algorithms pertinent to 
VR systems.  Computer graphics algorithms (e.g. for rendering)
are fairly well organized/ well represented in standard textbooks
(e.g. Foley, et al), so I'm thinking primarily of the algorithms
other than those standard for computer graphics.

Examples that come to mind (in no particular order) off the top 
of my head are:

*** Gesture recognition algorithms (e.g. for Glovetalk)
*** Predictive Position Tracking algorithms
*** Digital Signal Processing algorithms to simulate HRTFs
*** Algorithms to control timing and interaction (ala Appino, et al.)
*** Algorithms for correction of HMD optical distortions
*** Algorithms for Force Feedback
(also, of course algorithms for domain-specific simulations, e.g.
molecular interactions, etc...)

I would be interested in other categories that you can suggest,
and any sort of taxonomy any of you has come up with.  I will also 
gather and list some references for each category of algorithm so, 
if you can suggest a favorite reference(s) for any of these (even if 
it is not "in the VR literature," since some of these algorithms are 
not unique to this field), please e-mail me or post to the group, and
I will gather and organize the material and re-post it.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts.  Thanks!

-Rory Stuart
NYNEX Science & Technology, Inc.
stuart@nynexst.com