The VR lab

This where all of our (School of Creative Technologies) emerging technology is housed: used for experimentation, research and development.

We have a large stereo projection screen, which enables us to show anything computer generated in 3D, using a similar technology that is currently being used in Cinema.

On the computers running this, is a software platform called Caren (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment) which enables staff and students to create programs with little programing knowledge. This enables the creator to easily control additional subject inputs from sensors (called Phidgets) such as touch, sound, vibration etc. as well as have the program be driven by the 8 camera Vicon motion Capture system. There is a cyberrider excersise bike that can also be linked in and in the near future our treadmil will also be attached.

There are also other elements to the room, such as haptic devices that give the user feedback to their movments through resistance and vibration. The user sees a 3d object from the computer, can rotate this object and appear to the user to be able to touch its surface.

There is a force feedback glove (cyberglove), which can be used to simulate touch sensation to the user.