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Distributed Virtual Environments in Distributed Virtual Environments in Art and EducationArt and Education
Glenn Bresnahan
Boston University
Scientific Computing and Visualization
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Background/contextBackground/context
Scientific Computing and VisualizationScientific Computing and Visualization1. Application of high performance
computing and networking systems to solve challenging problems in science in engineering
2. Development and use of advanced computer graphic display technologies to visualize scientific data
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Scientific ComputingScientific Computing
High end multi-processor computers
Multi-gigabit interconnects
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Visualization TechnologiesVisualization Technologies Large format, tiled
stereoscopic display wall Distributed VR/visualization
software– Shared 3D spaces– 3D navigation– Multi-channel Audio
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Computing and the ArtsComputing and the Arts
Long history of working with artsLaunched HipArt in 1998Mission http://scv.bu.edu/visualization/hiparthttp://scv.bu.edu/visualization/hipart
Engage artists in high-performance and Engage artists in high-performance and emerging computer and communication emerging computer and communication technologies.technologies.
Explore the artistic space at the boundaries Explore the artistic space at the boundaries of modern computing technology.of modern computing technology.
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HiPArt’s ProgramHiPArt’s Program
Sponsor creative projects involving advanced technology
Foster collaborations between artists and technologists
Provide artists with access to advanced visualization, computing and communications facilities
Showcase innovative artistic work
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Why Advanced Technology?Why Advanced Technology?
Moore’s Law:– Computers double in power every 18
monthsYesterday’s supercomputer is
tomorrow’s PC– Supercomputer + 10 years = Laptop
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Distributed Immersive EnvironmentsDistributed Immersive Environments
Multi-person, multi-site shared virtual space– Navigation– Avatar representation– Telephony
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DAFFIE Virtual EnvironmentsDAFFIE Virtual Environments
Distributed Applications Framework For Immersive Environments
Erik Brisson, Robert Putnam, Glenn Bresnahan
DAFFIE design goals– Shared/distributed and collaborative virtual space– Easy to create environments without programming– Easy to import existing data/models– Easily extended to provide new capabilities– Network-centric
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How It WorksHow It Works
The virtual environment is shared across the network Virtual participants are represented by avatars
– Participants interact via their avatars– Participants talk via telephony
Sound is localized in 3D space using a speaker array Participants interact with the virtual environment
using immersive displays (or workstations)– Wide field of view– Stereoscopic imaging (w/ glasses)– Body (head and hand) tracking (optionally)
Behaviors are controlled by agents Participants may interact with real world objects
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Creating a Virtual WorldCreating a Virtual World
Components– 2D images (Corel, Photoshop)– 2D animation (flipbooks, video clips)– Sounds (Audacity, Audition)– 3D models (Maya, Blender)– 3D animated sequences (Maya, Studio Max)
Design/layout of the spaceMapping of componentsDynamic behaviors via agents
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DAFFIE AgentsDAFFIE Agents
• Independent programs that run on the network and manipulate the virtual world
• Create interactions between avatars (participants) and object
• Allow control of physical objects and sensor inputs
• Standard collection of agents• Proximity agent• Navigation, etc
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HipArt projectsHipArt projects
Artworld (1998) – collaborative Spirited Ruins (1999 – 2002) – collaborative Soft, Fluffy and Virtual (2002) – C. Ludlum Tracer (2002) – R. and D. Cornell The Stitched Wall (2002) – C. Ludlum Terpsichord Haunt (2003) – L. Giannitrapani On The Street Where I Live (2005) – J. Schwartz Surge (2007) – R. and D. Cornell
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Collaborative Virtual EnvironmentsCollaborative Virtual Environments
Easy integration of individual elements
Small & large collaborations
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Spirited RuinsSpirited Ruins
Large collaboration– Approximately two dozen artists– Approximately one dozen organizations
Several versions spanning several years Multiples virtual spaces (rooms) Multiple gallery showings Physical sculptures and sensors Interactions in both physical and virtual
spaces
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Physical and Virtual InteractionsPhysical and Virtual Interactions
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Physical and Virtual InteractionsPhysical and Virtual Interactions
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Putting it TogetherPutting it Together
Finding collaboratorsCreate basic themeDesign basic environment and layoutFeasibility issuesCreation of elementsIntegration
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VR in Art EducationVR in Art Education
College of Fine Arts classes (L. Giannitrapani)– Foundations of Visual Computing (AR230)– 3D Design and Animation (AR573)– Directed studies– Undergraduate and graduate students
Projects– Choco (2003)– Café (2005)– Jazz (2005)– Carni (2006)– Interactions (2007)
• AR573 students• Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall High School (C. Ludlum)
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VR in Computer Science EducationVR in Computer Science Education
New Voices, New VisionsNew Voices, New Visions
Broadening Participation in ComputingBroadening Participation in Computing– Collaboration between Boston U., U. of New
Mexico and Pueblo of Jemez– Funded by NSF BPC program– Increase number Native American students Increase number Native American students
pursuing CS and CS-related studies and pursuing CS and CS-related studies and careerscareers
– Create a new curriculum that integrates art, Create a new curriculum that integrates art, culture and technology to create a compelling culture and technology to create a compelling educational experienceeducational experience
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BPC: New Voices, New VisionsBPC: New Voices, New Visions
Project oriented course to build virtual worlds incorporating Native American culture & aesthetics
Application of powerful CS concepts to empower the creation of an engaging VR experience
Cyber-classroom connecting BU, UNM and Jemez Pueblo using Access Grid video conferencing
DAFFIE VR used as a core technology; 3D Stereoscopic Display Wall installed at all sites
Artistic direction by Native American artists 1st year course at UNM; 2nd year at Walatowa High
in Jemez
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BPC Student WorkflowBPC Student Workflow
Create media files and layouts on PCsUse PC tools to associate data with
virtual spaceUse tools to layout 3D space View on stereoscopic
display wall (DVD) Develop agents using
Logo (Turtle3D)
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BPC Student Work – Semester 1BPC Student Work – Semester 1
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