Engineering On The Edge

When it comes to virtual reality, there is no immersive VR environment as well known as the Holodeck from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” So it’s no surprise that, with all the advancements in VR technology, a group of students from the University of Southern California (USC) are trying to build a working version of the interactive, 3D room. In the process, they may well create a lower cost alternative to more expensive full-room VR systems.

Of course, it doesn’t work quite like its fictional counterpart. Project Holodeck incorporates an Oculus RIFT headset to provide the visuals, PlayStation Move to track participants’ heads, and Razer Hydra motion sensing technology. And while it doesn’t create the type of fully interactive, haptic environment of the TV show, there are some fans integrated into the system that can generate wind to enhance the user experience.

The Holodeck is an Advanced Games project from the university’s Interactive Media Division at the School of Cinematic Arts, developed in conjunction with the Gamepipe Laboratory at the Viterbi School of Engineering.

The Oculus RIFT headset was designed as an inexpensive VR headmount display. Unveiled at the E3 Expo in May, the device is targeted at consumers (and gamers), but could provide VR capabilities for less than $500 per unit.

The students have developed a video game called Wild Skies to show off the room’s capabilities.

You can see a video about Project Holodeck below:

Source: Project Holodeck