There are currently three of these HMD's being utilized by the various labs on campus. The second HMD we acquired was Virtual Research's, EyeGen3 . While the EyeGen3 was a large improvement over the MRG2, our Onyx lacked the multi-channel option, and we were forced to send the same image to both eyes. Along with stereo sound, a true sense of immersion can be achieved. Another main factor that enhances environment immersion is the ability to navigate inside a virtual environment.
Navigation is achieved through the use of a tracking system.
By pressing one of the three buttons, located on the top face of the mouse, the user can interactively navigate a virtual environment. Much like the FOB, the Polhemus Fastrack also uses electro-magnetic fields to determine the position and orientation of an object in three space. The workbench allows users to create and interact with three dimensional virtual environments on a work space similar to a large drafting table. Because all projections are done in stereo and viewed with special shutter glasses, virtual objects appear to float in the space above the viewing surface. 9500LC Projector Interface box connecting video signal from the host computer to the workbench 6 Crystal Eyes 3D shutter glasses for stereo viewing 1 pair FakeSpace Pinch Gloves for object manipulation Polhemus Fastrack system with 4 receivers Because the workbench allows up to six people to view an environment at one time, it does not suffer from the drawbacks of single user head mounted displays.