Virtual Reality

The development of a complete Virtual Reality application is a complex activity that requires good knowledge of several time-critical tasks: computer graphics, real-time physics and network programming are examples of fundamental building blocks needing to coexist in many modern Virtual Reality systems. Each of these building blocks constitutes a research field on its own and a vast literature exists on techniques and algorithms useful to address specific problems; still, from a more high level perspective, only through tight integration and balanced design can a complex framework achieve optimal performances. Having to address such a range of integration issues, the development of a Virtual Reality application can in practice turn out to be a very lengthy and difficult process, where fundamental design choices and their implications should be carefully considered. The choice of the right tools is also very important, as common everyday practice shows how difficult is still to put together a successful and robust system.

g.tec designed therefore together with VRMedia a complete VR package that allows to easily running VR applications in your lab. The system consists of a PC running XVR, a 3D projector, shutter glasses for the 3D effects, a mobile projections screen, a tracker and a link to biosignal acquisition and analysis systems.

XVR - the eXtreme VR environment

XVR is a new technology to develop advanced multimedia content. It's focused mainly on 3D graphics & sound, but many forms of media are supported. XVR is a tiny ActiveX component developed by VRMedia and all you need to integrate an XVR content in a web page, is a computer with a decent video card installed and Internet Explorer). The first time you access a web page that uses XVR you will be asked to install it, like any other ActiveX plug-in (Adobe Flash, for example). A simple mouse-click and it's done, it's that simple. The XVR ActiveX control weights only 535K and is been developed from the ground up with three goals in mind: efficiency, flexibility, scalability.

Mobile Projection Screen

g.VRsys uses a mobile projection screen. A useful combination between plug-in and folding elements allows you to use one basic frame for a variety of different screen formats. You only need the corresponding screen surface and the necessary supplementary components. You can extend your existing frame and need not buy a completely new projection screen. You may, for instance, start with an universal screen size of 310 x 210 cm and can later upgrade your system to the super panorama format of 900 x 300 cm.

Mobile projection screens are designed for easy, no tools assembly High-quality aluminium materials for maximum stability and low weight High-performance, flexible PVC, screen material for front and rear projection Adjustable legs to suit your height requirements

Example: Controlling a smart home with the BCI

g.VRsys was used to setup a smart home environment that can be controlled with the BCI system just by thinking. Therefore the person is equipped with EEG electrodes and the portable EEG amplifier g.MOBIlab+ and 3D shutter glasses and is positioned in front of the projection screen and in front of the BCI system screen. If the subject is looking at the BCI system it is switched on and the user can select specific commands. The user can e.g. switch on the TV set with the BCI system and the VR system shows the corresponding action. The smart home VR system includes many controllable elements such as doors, windows, air condition, MP3 player, a TV set,... Additionally the system allows transferring yourself to specific spots inside the smart home. This replaces the usage of a joystick that is normally used for navigation. Read more ....