Where are we going with 3D Interaction?

3D Interaction (Virtual Reality / Augmented reality)

Definitions:

Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real world and computer generated data. At present, most AR research is concerned with the use of live video imagery which is digitally processed and "augmented" by the addition of computer generated graphics. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality

Virtual reality (abbreviated VR) describes an environment that is simulated by a computer. Most virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic goggles, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality

Research:

Right the link below is showing the latest technology developments that had occurred in the 2007 exhibition the clip has been taken from CNET news:

http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9682732-2.html?tag=blog

As you can tell this type of technology has a lot of possibilities one of the uses that this type of technology has been used for is by the students at the university of Harvard whereby they implemented augmented reality to teach students math and literacy skills.

“The project involves teams of students gathering data on handheld computers to explain why aliens have landed, and in the process students "interview" virtual characters they encounter at certain GPS hot spots”

Source: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=6817

Virtual reality has been around for a while so this technology has time to develop, not develop to the extent that it cannot be improved no more, but a lot of sectors in the industry have started to make use of them like architecture, tourism, flight and medical industry. This technology could be made use of for any number of possible reasons like to train a pilot to fly, to teach a medical student on how to perform life saving surgery or even creating a virtual demonstration of possible architecture projects like those shown in the following link: http://www.cs.unc.edu/~walk/.

In personal opinion one of the most exciting development for quake and 3D environments has been made by the group ARQUAKE over at http://wearables.unisa.edu.au/projects/ARQuake/www/index.html

This group has implemented the idea of augmented reality and a popular gaming environment into one to create a real life immersion experience for the participants.

There is a lot occurring in the field of 3d development for different reasons among the numerous fields that are implementing or attempting to make use of this technology.

Please feel free to express further opinions or shed further light on these areas if you want to.

Bibliography:

Experiencing 3D Interactions in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality [online] available from:

http://homepages.cwi.nl/~robertl/papers/2004/eusai/paper.pdf