Visualization

The Center for Computation and Visualization provides a wide range of visualization services.  This includes high end centralized immersive visualization technology, expertise in graphics software and packages, and custom software development.  We can also provide consultation on developing and implementing advanced visualization technology within the research labs and work environments across campus. Below are some of the services we currently provide.  If you would like more information on CCV's visualization services, please contact info_AT_ccv.brown.edu

Current schedule of Brown Cave events.

CCV's primary fully immersive display system is a Tan "vr-Cube", which we call the Cave (CAVE is an acronym for "CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment" which is now trademarked by FakeSpace Systems, Inc.).  The Cave is an 8' cube with projected images on the front, left and right walls, as well as the floor.  CrystalEyes LCD-shutter glasses provide stereo depth-perception, and a variety of Intersense and Polhemus tracking devices allow software to track the position of a user's hand, head, wand, etc. The Cave also has a multi-speaker sound system that provides positional audio.

This system is provided as a resource that all researchers and educators at Brown can use.  Some existing software that can be used in the system currently include volume visualization, molecular visualization, and simple 3d model manipulation.  New projects can be initiated through consultation with CCV visualization staff.

The current Cave system is undergoing a complete redesign and a new, high resolution digital Cave system will be taking its place in the Fall of 2011.  We expect that all projects and software that are currently using the existing facility will be able to take full advantage of this redesign.

General information on Caves and projects involving the Cave:

Various Brown CS projects, some of which have used the Cave
Plato's Allegory of the Cave (one way the name "Cave" was derived)
Information on the Cave at EVL, the creators of the original Cave

As a compliment to the Cave system, CCV also provides a high resolution, digital tiled display wall within our facility.  This wall provides a bright, high resolution stereo display that can be used with or without tracking.  This wall is especially useful for small groups as a data exploration tool or for education and lab use.  This system is especially useful in looking at high resolution data, or other large datasets that may be collected or generated on our high performance compute and storage systems.  This system is currently a testbed for new technologies that will eventually be integrated into the new Cave design.

While CCV's visualization efforts have been shaped by our high end systems, we recognize the need for targeted visualization applications and localized resources.  CCV can help departments and individuals on campus who may need more specialized and individualized visualization resources.  We provide application development and support, as well as visualization system design and integration.  If this is something you or your department are interested in, please contact support_AT_ccv.brown.edu for more information.