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.