MRI: Development of a CAVE System for Immersive Video Research, Immersive Learning, and Visualization Support for Research at Villanova

该合同使维拉诺瓦大学能够购买并进一步开发一种交互式虚拟现实系统，称为沉浸式视频研究、沉浸式学习和可视化研究支持系统（CAVE）。位于维拉诺瓦的法尔维纪念图书馆将容纳该设施。众所周知，CAVE技术能够提供沉浸式的渲染环境体验。本项目建议开发一个具有移动沉浸式球形视频技术的CAVE系统，在不涉及建模的情况下捕捉真实世界环境的逼真表示。这个开发项目有两个方面。首先是将移动沉浸式球形摄像机设备与CAVE集成，以显示真实环境，从而减少环境建模时间。这种方法将允许更多地使用CAVE技术来传播重要地点或现象的沉浸式视图，而不必担心显示的材料看起来过于不现实。第二个方面是项目对跨多个领域研究的可视化支持。在大费城地区附近放置CAVE将允许更多的公众访问设备的学习可能性，以及支持收集和传播具有文化意义的地点的沉浸式视频，例如梵蒂冈博物馆的设施，这些地方通常无法被大量人群参观。了解如何系统地在图书馆中使用CAVE技术有可能将这些机构转变为社会和协作环境，称为公共协作实验室。将建立洞穴使用的教室。

This award enables Villanova to purchase and further develop an interactive virtual reality system known as a System for Immersive Video Research, Immersive Learning, and Visualization Support for Research (CAVE) at Villanova University. The Falvey Memorial Library at Villanova will house the facility. CAVE technology's ability to provide immersive experiences of rendered environments is well-known. This project proposes development of a CAVE system with mobile immersive spherical video technology to capture photorealistic representations of real world environments without involved modeling. This development project has two facets. The first lies in the integration of mobile immersive spherical video camera equipment with a CAVE to display real-world environments, thereby reducing environmental modeling time. This approach will permit greater usage of CAVE technology for disseminating immersive views of significant locations or phenomena without concern for the displayed material appearing too unrealistic. The second facet is the project's visualization support for research across many domains. CAVE placement near the greater Philadelphia area will permit increased public access to the learning possibilities of the equipment, as well as support the collection and dissemination of immersive videos of culturally significant locations such as the Vatican Museum's facilities that are often not able to be visited by large crowds. Understanding how to systematically use CAVE technology in libraries has the potential to transform these institutions into social and collaborative environments, called public Collaboratories. Classrooms for CAVE use will be established.