Towards Physically Rendered Environments ; CU-CS-1033-07

We present an early vision of a system that allows computer controlled rendering of physical surfaces, terrains, and environments by manipulating grids of “physical pixels” or rods whose heights can be raised and lowered on command. A user would be free to walk within such a dynamically deformable physically rendered environment (PRE). The system would be able to create on demand the floor, ceiling and sides of the “Holodeck” in which the person resides, and vary the slipperiness of the surfaces to provide authentic tactile feedback in real time. Ideally, the system would support discreet relocation while a person walked to create the impression of infinite distance. Such a system could be combined with immersive graphic visualization and futuristic programmable matter to convey realistic impressions of a walking tour of a remote site, the experience of climbing a steep mountain, or navigation through a maze. The potential applications of this system range from entertainment to police and infantry training to education, and extend as far as the imagination allows. We propose mechanisms with which we believe that such a vision could be implemented with the technology of today. This paper is an early work intended to raise interest in this idea, as opposed to presenting a finished solution for achieving the vision of a Holodeck.