Virtual Reality for Human Computer Interface
Virtual Reality Laboratory
The virtual reality laboratory at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley includes university design and constructed systems for both a full CAVE (Cave Automated Virtual Environment) system and a CAVE development system. The CAVE is a system designed to provide three dimensional visualization on three back projected walls and a direct projected floor forming a 12 foot by 12 foot by 10 foot tall virtual environment. By using 3D glasses a right eye view and left eye view are provided to the user allowing the development of three dimensional images for the user. User gestural tracking in real time occurs through the use of a Vicon, seven camera tracking system. This CAVE system places the user into artificial environments, for example the user could be inspecting an industrial site, flying through an urban environment, climbing around inside a complex chemical molecule, or inspecting Saturn’s rings as he or she flies through a model of our solar system. While in the virtual environment, the user can point to objects or motion to the computer to move the scene in any direction. The result is an artificial environment in which the user issues commands by simple hand motion.
In addition to the CAVE system, the Virtual Reality Laboratory has a ViveTM system that features a Head Mounted Display (HMD) and two wands. The HMD and wands are tracked within a 10 foot by 10 foot area, and the user obtains a three dimensional artificial view of an environment. Again, the environment can be a ship, an industrial site, an urban environment, a complex chemical molecule, or the rings of Saturn in outer space. Similar to the CAVE system, the ViveTM system allows the user to command the computer through simple hand motions and button presses.
Both the CAVE system and the Vive system are used for applied research in human computer interface systems. They represent state-of-the-art systems available to researchers, faculty, and students associated with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Industrial Scene Represented in the CAVE Virtual Reality System
Underwater Sonar Image of Harbor Pier in ViveTM System