Configurable Virtual Reality Store with Contextual Interaction Interface

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the problem of building configurable virtual reality environments, with a particular focus on user interaction allowing convenient creation and exploration of such spaces. The use of a novel Contextual Semantic Interaction Interface is proposed, which is dynamically adapted in real time to a particular context of interaction. We also present a modular design of a VR shopping space, which may be configured with the presented approach. The shopping space is created dynamically as a combination of three elements: exposition model, product models, and virtual store configuration. The first element visually reflects an existing or planned 3D store layout and is designed by an architect or a 3D modeling expert. The second element provides 3D models of particular products that can be presented in the exposition. The third elements is a configuration file, which connects the two previous elements. The presented configurable VR shopping space may be used to perform various types of research experiments in the fields of merchandising and e-commerce.