eXtended Reality

Course guarantor:

Lecturer:

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Computer Graphics and Interaction

Synopsis:

The course focuses on advanced technical and algorithmic aspects of Extended Reality (XR), with an emphasis on spatial computing, context-aware and collaborative interaction, and situated visualization. Students will explore the architecture of XR systems, key concepts in spatial mapping and localization (SLAM), adaptive information visualization, natural input methods, and performance optimization strategies. A substantial part of the course also covers user testing and behavioral analysis in XR environments, including motion tracking, gaze analysis, and soft-skill interpretation. Topics related to perception, user comfort, ethical concerns, and system-level optimization are also addressed. The course is designed to deepen students understanding of the underlying algorithms that power XR systems beyond interface-level implementation.

Requirements:

Assessment - an ungraded assessment is awarded for active participation in the exercises, the development and continuous presentation of the semester project, and obtaining at least 20 points during the semester. The quality of the semester project is evaluated (0-50 points), and 0-20 points are awarded for meeting ongoing deadlines. The total for the exercises is 0-70 points.

Examination Written test (verification of knowledge from lectures) and oral exam.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. XR Systems Architecture

2. Spatial registration

3. Situated visualization

4. Contextual adaptation

5. Interaction I: natural inputs

6. Interaction II: object manipulation

7. Visualization and rendering in XR

8. Testing and analysis of user behaviour

9. XR in practice

10. Perception and space in XR

11. Optimization of XR systems

12. Multiverse, social aspects

13. Ethics and security

14. Reserve

Syllabus of tutorials:

Hands-on learning of XR technology: students work individually with XR headsets (e.g. Quest 3) to experience and understand the operation of different components, interactions, and principles of XR systems. This part of the exercise is aimed at gaining direct experience with the hardware and basic implementation techniques (6 exercises).

Discussions and presentations: the team discusses the assigned topics, problems, and experiences gained during the practical part. Students then report and present the results of their individual work, which develops their communication skills and ability to reflect on their own progress. (3 exercises)

Individual consultations and work on the semester project: the remaining time is reserved for individual

consultations with the teacher regarding the semester project. Students have space to ask questions, get feedback, and deepen their work on their individual project, which is directed towards the thesis topic or the implementation of selected algorithms. (5 exercises)

Study Objective:

The primary objective is to provide students with expert knowledge in the design and technical implementation of highly interactive XR systems, with a priority focus on human needs and perception. Graduates will gain the ability to implement complex forms of spatial input and adaptive interfaces that intelligently respond to the current user context. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for scientific user experience testing and the capacity to design ergonomically and ethically sustainable solutions within modern XR platforms.

Teaching methods in this course combine hands-on individual practice with XR headsets for direct experience with the technologies and group discussions for sharing knowledge and perspectives. An important component is the ongoing presentation of work done on an individual project, which develops communication skills and the ability to reflect on one's own progress. The individual term paper is a key element of the course, allowing students to explore a specific topic in XR in depth. This individual assignment is designed to either support the development of their thesis project, ensuring that their studies are linked to their research interests, or to focus on the practical implementation of selected algorithms from the literature, enhancing their technical skills and understanding of theoretical concepts. This individualized approach cultivates the ability for independent research, critical thinking, and application of acquired knowledge in the specific context of XR technologies.

Study materials:

The basic resources for this course are listed below, but students do not need direct access to them or are expected to actively use them to successfully complete the course.

core literature

The VR Book: Human-Centered Design for Virtual Reality, J. Jerald, (2015)

Designing Immersive 3D Experiences: A Designers Guide to Creating Realistic 3D Experiences for Extended Reality, Renée Stevens, 1st edition, 2021.

extending literature

3D User Interfaces: Theory and Practice, Doug A. Bowman, Ernst Kruijff, Joseph J. LaViola Jr., Ivan P. Poupyrev, 2nd edition, 2017.

Note:

Advanced Techniques and Algorithms for eXtended Reality

Further information:

No time-table has been prepared for this course

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Open Informatics - Extended Reality and Game Development (compulsory elective course)