| CAVE
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The CAVETM is a multi-person, room-sized, high-resolution, 3D video and audio environment. It was developed at EVL and is available commercially through Fakespace Systems Inc. The CAVE library is available through VRCO. EVL continues to research and develop the CAVE. |
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Currently, four projectors are used to throw full-color, computer-generated images onto three walls and the floor (the software could support a 6 wall CAVE.) The CAVE library software synchronizes all the devices and calculates the correct perspective for each wall. In the current configuration, one Rack Onyx with 2 Infinite Reality Engine Pipes is used to create imagery for the four walls. | ||||||||||||||
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In the CAVE all perspectives are calculated from the point of view of the user. A head tracker provides information about the user's position. Offset images are calculated for each eye. To experience the stereo effect, the user wears active stereo glasses which alternately block the left and right eye. | ||||||||||||||
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The current interactive device is the wand,
a 3D mouse with a joystick for navigating and three buttons which can be
programmed for interactivity.
Computer-controlled audio provides a sonification capability to multiple
speakers.
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| ImmersaDesk, ImmersaDesk2 and ImmersaDesk3 | |||||||||||||||
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If the CAVE is an architectural statement of VR, the ImmersaDesk is a furniture statement. Its major design advantages are its portability and lower cost. It requires only one graphics pipe to operate. It can be rolled through doors and easily deployed in offices, galleries, exhibition spaces or museums. It uses the CAVE library software. Applications created for the CAVE can be shown on the I-Desk and vice-versa. It is commercially available from Pyramid. | ||||||||||||||
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The ImmersaDesk is a drafting table format virtual
prototyping device with a computer operated audio system. Using stereo
glasses and magnetic head and hand tracking,
this projection-based system offers a type of virtual reality that is semi-immersive.
Rather than surrounding the user with graphics and blocking out the real
world, the ImmersaDesk features a 4x5-foot rear-projected screen at a 45-degree
angle.
The size and position of the screen give a wide-angle view and the ability to look down as well as forward. The resolution is 1024 x 768 at 96Hz. It can be operated from either a SGI Onyx or an Indigo2 IMPACT. |
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The ImmersaDesk2,
designed and developed at EVL, is a roadworthy (air cargo qualified) version
of the ImmersaDesk. With the press of a button, this I-Desk will instantly
transform to vertical screen position for use as a traditional rear projection
display. This self-contained flight case features a rapidly deployable
rear projection system optimized as a sloped screen Spatially Immersive
Display [SID] and includes on board tracking, audio and input device equipment.
Graphic system not included.
In fall '97 it proved itself on the road at the ISEA, Internet 2, ThinkQuest '97 and Supercomputing 97 conferences. It is going into production and is now available from Fakespace . |
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The ImmersaDesk3
is an experiment using a flat screen to create tracked, stereo, desk-top
VR.
CAVERNUS CAVE Research Network Users Society for I-Desk user's too! |
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| InfinityWall
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The I-WallTM is a large-screen, high-resolution, passive (or active) stereo, projection display well suited for large audiences. It supports audio and is operated by two SGI Onyxes with Reality Engines or InfiniteReality Engines. Low-cost polarized passive glasses (like cardboard glasses used for viewing 3D movies) can be used instead of the active stereo glasses used in the CAVE and ImmersaDesk systems. The I-Wall achieves its immersion by wide-screen projection, but does not allow, unfortunately, a way to look down, a problem with any normal audience seating arrangement. (Omnimax/ Imax theater seating addresses this problem by steeply pitched seats). We are experimenting with large-area types of tracking, although it is only possible to track one person at a time. The GII Testbed (Supercomputing 95) was the first use of the I-Wall as a VR display device. |
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