Physics-Based Table-Top Mixed Reality Games

Mixed reality applications use techniques from computer vision, augmented reality and virtual reality to allow real and virtual objects interact physically together on a user’s computer screen. This paper will describe two mixed reality applications which allow the user to play games that appear to take place on top of their physical desk. The games described are a desktop racing game and a desktop based game of ten pin bowling. In the desktop racing game virtual cars, controlled by the user, interact with both virtual objects (such as trees, walls and lampposts) and real ones (such as ramps and blocks). In the bowling game the player throws a real ball at a set of virtual bowling pins which react realistically as the ball appears to hit them. These initial games are being used as a springboard to investigate the core competencies required to make mixed reality games.