EstereoWall, a virtual wall that allows you to manipulate objects in 3D

The Modeling research team, Display, Interaction and Virtual Reality (MOVING) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia has presented StereoWall, a virtual wall where images are projected and on which anyone, Equipped with a controller and 3D glasses, can inspect in great detail, For example, any part of the human body, from the skin, passing through the muscles and veins, to the bones.

The Modeling research group, Visualization and Interaction in Virtual Reality (MOVING) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. BarcelonaTech (UPC) has designed a virtual wall (EsteroWall) high performance and low cost to visualize and interact with objects through stereoscopic images. The installation, which works with complex software developed by the same team, It is an ideal tool for applications in medicine, industrial design and paleontology, among other areas.

The EsteroWall or virtual wall system is based on a high resolution screen of 270×200 cm where the images are projected. It also consists, among other elements, of two projectors connected to a central computer (PC), a reflection mirror, a rear projection screen, a positioning device and circular polarizing glasses to see in 3D. The large stereoscopic projection system is also linked to the same PC with a high-performance graphics card. Use a passive stereo system that, along with 3D glasses, offers high image quality and allows group viewing (15 personas).

The virtual wall offers different interaction systems, with the intersense system, which provides very precise detection of the user and their movements, and touch screen, which is used to interact with the projected object.

Besides, It has a pointer with different control buttons and a virtual magic lantern, a unique system so far in the field of virtual reality. This flashlight is an inspection system to view and inspect both the inside and outside of the object at the same time interactively., which favors a very detailed analysis of what you want to inspect. So, the magic lantern allows you to inspect in great detail, For example, any part of the human body, from the skin, passing through the muscles and veins, to the bones.

Applications

The team that developed the virtual wall, led by Professor Isabel Navazo, It was initially designed for teaching use to inspect anatomical models., despite the fact that it is a system that opens an infinite range of applications. In the medical field it involves an advance to help diagnose and plan surgical operations. (how to simulate and plan an incision without injuring important organs or structures of the body), for learning in anatomy and for student practices.

In the industrial field, facilitates and reduces costs in the cooperative design of virtual prototypes, since it allows the model to be adjusted to the needs before construction, a great advantage in the field of ship design and naval and aeronautical engineering. At the moment, The installation is already on the market, through the company SENER.

in paleontology, It offers great potential because it allows you to view fossil pieces in great detail., as is the case of the installation carried out in the museum of the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont in Sabadell.