Entering the Matrix

The DiVE (Duke Immersive Virtual Environment) is a six-sided virtual reality theatre.  It was built in 2005, becoming the fourth CAVE like system in the United States.  Currently, there are many ongoing projects at the theatre, including brain and protein structure visualization.

You would never know that the DiVE existed unless you happened to be in Fitzpatrick Center and noticed the nondescript sign on the door.  Even if you did pass by the room, it would be hard to imagine what lies inside.  If you do get a chance to enter (here's how), you will see a giant cube (3m x 3m x 3m) in the middle of a room, surrounded by mirrors, projectors, and computer equipment.  For Star Trek fans, this may be the closest you can get to the holodeck.

Our class This is Your Brain on the Internet took a trip to the DiVE to immerse ourselves in the virtual environment.   The course is taught by Professor Cathy Davidson, who up until recently held the role of Duke's Vice Provost of Interdisciplinary Studies. We replaced our shoes with slippers and put on a pair of stereoscopic glasses.  One side of the cube slid open and we walked inside.  Three of the four walls (one projector wasn't working at the time), the ceiling and the floor all displayed images.  Over the next 20 minutes, we would be immersed in five different virtual scenes.

Five of us were in the box at the same time, but only one person at a time could take the lead.  The lead has the capability to manipulate the viewpoint and objects and dictates the viewpoint that everyone else sees. I lead a simulation where I was presented with a massive web of nodes connected by links (picture on left).  Each node I touched with a virtual stick displayed information or an image and I could move each one in three dimensions.  If I pulled the node toward me, all the links stretched to meet me.  Having just seen Minority Report, I couldn't help but feel like Tom Cruise moving data around the screen.

 For me, the most memorable demonstrations were the ones that simulated motion.  In the roller-coaster simulation, we sped along the track at various speeds, twisting and turning along the way.  I felt myself feeling the thrill of the ride while my body stood motionless in the middle of the box.  My brain was completely fooled by the visuals, and I felt a little disoriented for the next 30 minutes.

The DiVE offers tours every Thursday at 4:30pm.  No reservations necessary.  First come, first served. 

After you go, come back here and tell me what you think?