StarCAVE

The StarCAVE is a 15 sided virtual reality environment installed at CalIT2 at UC San Diego. It has a pentagonal floor-plan, and spans about 12 feet across. All 15 screens are back projected with dual 2k projectors, whose signals are resolved in full 3d with the aid of glasses. A head tracking system is implemented that allows perspective shifting in relation to a viewer, resulting in a realistic 3d immersive environment.

I was involved in the planning and integration of the audio system for the StarCAVE. The initial installation was a 15.1 configuration, set up as 5 - 5.1 systems of Meyer Sound MM4 4-inch speakers. The top system is a middle speaker cluster that is located as a first reflection off the middle of the top screens. The second row is placed at the vertices of the pentagonal floor-print, and is a direct source to the listener. And the third group of five is housed in the floor of the cave, and points straight upwards. The subwoofer is housed in a resonant enclosure under the floor of the cave.

I have also developed several spatialization software systems for use in the StarCAVE. Research continues for the best sounding audio methods to complement the immersive nature of the cave.