INDUSTRY

Fakespace Systems Inc. announced completion of the world's first reconfigurable immersive visualization system that includes the use of both active and passive stereoscopic technology. Designed specifically to meet the requirements for Purdue University's new Envision Center for Data Perceptualization, the custom solution was developed utilizing Fakespace's reconfigurable FLEX platform. In addition to the custom FLEX display, the Envision Center also includes a dual channel PowerWall from Fakespace. The Envision Center is a 5,600-square-foot theater that can seat up to fifty people for review of large-scale, tera-byte sized computer-generated models. The FLEX environment enables design, engineering and research teams to collaborate on a broad range of projects including simulation of interplanetary exploration, storm system analysis, and virtual walk-throughs of building models prior to their construction. For general usage, the FLEX will be positioned in a thirty-foot wide flat theater for large group viewing and interaction. For applications requiring a fully immersive experience, the FLEX can be electronically or manually moved to an enclosed CAVE-like environment, which includes projection on the floor. The benefits of having both active and passive stereoscopic technologies inherent in the system serve to enhance the flexibility of the reconfigurable solution. Active stereo technology produces the highest quality stereoscopic viewing in an enclosed space. So, when the FLEX is configured as an enclosed room (CAVE(R)), using active stereo eliminates problems such as brightness shifts and reduced stereo quality that can occur with angled screens and floor projection. For applications requiring the use of a large flat wall display, passive stereo provides an exceptionally comfortable 3D experience using lightweight polarized glasses instead of the more costly and bulky shutter glasses used for active stereo viewing. To meet all expectations of quality and usability, the FLEX incorporates digital projection technology, producing 4000 ANSI lumen brightness. The projector inherently generates slightly different images for the left and right eyes with refresh rates fast enough for active stereo. For passive stereo, an electronic polarizing shutter is placed in front of the projection lens rather than at the users' glasses to filter left and right eye images. Fakespace specified a combination of screen and other technologies that will produce bright, high quality three-dimensional visualizations regardless of which viewing mode is selected. For the Envision Center, Fakespace also integrated a wireless motion tracking system to enable precise movement and data manipulation, providing the sensation of complete immersion within the data sets. The image generators include both an Onyx4(TM) and a Tezro(TM) workstation from SGI. Until now, no re-configurable solution was able to offer both active and passive stereoscopic technology within the same system. "It is a great accomplishment for us to not only meet, but exceed the demanding requirements set out by our partners at Purdue University," said Dr. Chris Clover, Chief Executive Officer of Fakespace. According to Dr. Gary Bertoline, the Envision Center Director, "The FLEX system allows the Envision Center to change the configuration of the display and to employ both passive and active stereo. This allows us maximum flexibility to support the research mission of Purdue University and discover new knowledge through the effective use of Fakespace technology." Purdue's Envision Center is a complete interdisciplinary, high-performance visualization facility which blends computer science, engineering, perception technology, and art to offer faculty access to emerging tools. The Center serves the entire Purdue community for projects that range from analyzing the flow of the Earth's mantle to using motion capture technology to produce a live dance performance that incorporate 3D and 2D imagery and sound. Already the center is involved with more than a dozen researchers overseeing projects using its virtual reality theater. Other areas of the complex offer Access Grid connectivity and space for haptics research. For further information about the Envision Center, go to www.itap.purdue.edu/envision, or for more information on immersive visualization and solutions from Fakespace Systems, visit www.fakespace.com.