A hybrid reality environment and its application to earthquake engineering

In this paper, an interactive 2D and 3D (hybrid) environment, which facilitates collaborative learning and research and utilizes techniques in visualization and VR, is described. The new environment incorporates both a specially designed lecture room and laboratory integrating both 2- and 3-dimensional spatial learning by coupling a series of interactive projection display boards (touch sensitive white boards) and a semi-immersive 3D wall display. The hardware architecture designed for this new hybrid environment as well as an initial application within the environment to the study of a case history building subjected to a variety of earthquakes are discussed in the paper.