Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technique for visualising three dimensional (3D) data and provides a simulated environment that can be similar to or different from the real world. Since VR is interactive and has a high update rate it can be experienced literally by walking around in it when wearing a VR headset. Or in a less immersive way on a computer screen or smart devices by navigating with keyboard, mouse or finger-touch. In several research pipe-lines VR is used as a tool for exploring and sharing 3D visualizations or for setting up an experiment based on 3D-scannings, 3D-modelling, motion capture (real time or FBX), 3D eye tracking or complex research data in general.

Humanities Lab has three HTC Vive headsets with build in tobii eye trackers and one laptop available for lab users.

3D scanning and 3D modelling

3D scanning and modelling is much used by archaeologists either for documentation or reconstruction of historical artefacts and environments - from the size of tiny tools and fragments of bones to houses and landscapes and may include GPS positioning. But also used by biologists and architects. VR is often used to explore, measure and share the result as well as 3D-print. The latter is not facilitated by the lab. This makes it a relevant tool not only for research, but also for museum exhibition and similar. Humanities Lab has one Faro Focus phase shift laser scanner (IR) for larger environments, a handheld Artec Eva scanner (structured light) for medium sized objects and two NextEngine triangulation laser scanners for smaller objects, and a differential GPS-system for taking coordinate points and geolocating different datasets (typically in GIS). The lab also has expertise in image-based 3D modelling.

Contact: vrhumlab.luse