Toward a model-based approach to the specification of virtual reality environments

An approach to the specification of a virtual reality (VR) interactive environment is presented, which merges and generalizes two recently proposed methods: the PCL characteristic pattern approach to WIMP system design and the interaction locus approach to interactive navigation in 3D virtual spaces. Merging the two points of view allows refinement of the model of interaction of a user with a virtual environment and leads to the definition of "real" and "virtual" characteristic patterns, which the discussion shows to be important for the designer to properly undertake the design of complex virtual reality systems.