3D virtual environment
University of California, San Diego, develops 3D NexCAVE using JVC 3D monitors
The California Institute for Calit2 research scientist Tom DeFanti, along In August, UC San Diego installed
Telecommunications and Information
with partner Dan Sandin, started designing a 21-panel, 3x7 NexCAVE at KAUST,
Technology (Calit2) is using
visualisation systems more than 35 years Saudi Arabia. The system was developed
JVC’s GD-463D10 46" 3D LCD
ago. They conceived of the original CAVE as a result of a special four-year
system using projectors to reconstruct a partnership established between UC
monitors as part of its next
3D surround environment back in 1991. San Diego and KAUST last year to
immersive visualisation system,
However, early projector-based VR
collaborate on visualisation research.
NexCAVE. It was prototyped in
systems were generally limited by two
June at the University of California,
major factors. Resolution was fair at best,
The LCD panel-based system is a fraction
San Diego, and the first full-scale due to limitations in computer processing
of the cost to construct when compared
version was recently installed at King
power and projector technology. Plus, these
to projector-based systems, and the JVC
Abdullah University of Science and
systems required a very large dedicated
monitors provide excellent images. “The
Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
space – front projectors were not practical
quality is just gorgeous,” DeFanti says.
because users could block the images, so
“The stereo separations are quite good. It
rear projectors, which need sufficient throw
has great blacks and very vibrant colours.
distance, were needed.
Since these HDTVs are very bright, 3D
data in motion can be viewed in a very
StarCAVE, a five-wall plus floor VR room
bright environment, even with the lights on
that supports 3D imagery, was built by
in the room. Lights-on is something that
Calit2 last year. With 34 JVC DLA-HD2K
just wasn’t possible with the StarCAVE.”
projectors, the system improved resolution
and provided a 360-degree immersive
The GD-463D10 provides flicker-free
environment. However, it still requires too
3D HD images using its integrated Xpol
much room and is not portable. In contrast, polarising filter. As a result, it uses
the new NexCAVE design uses JVC 3D inexpensive polarised (passive) glasses,
monitors, which are less than two inches which DeFanti prefers to more expensive,
deep. The basic setup includes 10 panels; shutter-based 3D systems. “We’re really
a 3x3 matrix in a semi-circle ring and an pleased,” he added. “Good tracking and
extra monitor below the centre column. good imagery – it’s a knockout.” n
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