Visiting the AVL...in 3D! 8-30-10

Today I visited the Advanced Visualization Lab in the Information Technology(IT) building. The AVL is usually closed to the public, but Chauncey Frend, a grad student in the AVL, gave us permission to enter, and what we found inside was very interesting.

First, we went into the main room of the AVL, which contained a giant computer monitor, which was a 6400 x 2400 pixel resolution. That's the largest computer monitor I ever saw. There was also this software called Timeline Express. It is used mainly by lawyers for demonstrative evidence in certain cases. We then saw a 3D scanner camera that creates a polygonal replica of a face. I think that it was pretty dead-on. We learned that the camera could be used as research for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder(FAS).

Then we looked at 3D TVs through stereoscopic glasses and looked at old Viewmasters to study the origins of 3D vision. I had no idea that 3D vision had existed since the 1800s. I always thought it was primarily a 20th century thing. We discussed 3D technology for a bit, and then I brought up the Nintendo 3DS. I then learned that the 3DS uses Lenticular 3D, which involves a y-shaped view of the object.

We also saw Flash Augmented Reality in action, and we saw Chauncey's capstone, Smellevision. I had doubts about the invention and then brought Prof. Richard Edwards' lectures into the discussion about how it's not as effective as audio or video.

Finally, we went into "The Cave"(formally known as the Virtual Reality Theater) and then demonstrated the large semi-closed room in which there was a combination of wireless tracking control(much like the Wii) and 3D visual technology. We learned that the Cave is sometimes used for architecture projects and product placement proposals. We also learned that Ford Motors uses 9 units of the same technology.

We then learned about Haptics technology, which involves force feedback, similar to that of the Rumble technology in controller pads. Haptics is also used to train nursing students to properly immunize infants. We got to demonstrate the haptics technology, and I have to say, that I'm somewhat impressed. I could actually "feel" the weight of the object on the screen. I have a feeling that Haptics, Virtual Reality, and 3D can be combined to make an ultra-immersive gaming experience in the future. How soon until then is uncertain.

Egg-sicles for Everyone! 8-27-10

Sorry if the picture is low quality; I uploaded it from my cell phone. I don't have a digital camera.

Hey, guys, this is my egg blog for Seeing Sideways.

I had been thinking about what I couldn't do with it.

1. I couldn't just draw on the egg, because like Beth said, it was unoriginal and had been done previous times before.

2. I couldn't incubate the egg, because I didn't have the hand puppet that animal professionals use to feed the chick.

3. I couldn't cook or eat the egg, because it was unpasteurized and also because of the current salmonella scare.

4. I couldn't pour laundry detergent on the egg, because it had been done before.

5. Throwing the egg against anything and smashing it is a sign of giving up. It has also been done before by a very angry individual.

6. Sketching the egg is too simple and would've taken 5 minutes, including shading.

7. Designing characters around the egg had been done before(see Dr. Eggman/Robotnik from the Sonic the Hedgehog series)

So I decided to freeze the egg. I left the egg in the freezer for about 3 days and then took it out today. I couldn't open it conventionally, so I had to use a serrated knife to cut it open. The yolk was completely frozen. Then I took a picture of it.

My first experience with Seeing Sideways 8-23-2010

Today was mainly an introduction to this course, where we sat in a circle and discussed how to be more creative. I asked some questions in this class about the exercises in general. We then took a break by going outside...while still sitting in our own chairs. They had wheels in them and they were small enough to fit through the doorway, so it was alright...but I kinda cramped my right hamstring and it hurt like no one's business. I kinda screamed in pain because of it. I hope I don't have to move like that during break again.

So yeah, other than that little mishap, this course might not be so bad. Good thing I was given a headstart this summer by meeting Mrs. Lykins beforehand and discussing the course with her face-to-face.

Oh, and interesting note? I learned not to eat eggs that float in water and to eat eggs that don't float.