Connecting CAVES

Researchers at

for Advanced Computing have created open-source software that makes it easier to collaborate in virtual reality environments with colleagues at other locations.

The Access Grid Juggler software, now available free of charge on the Internet, eliminates the need to create customised programs. The software, referred to as AGJuggler, can be used on platforms ranging from desktop simulators to a sophisticated virtual reality system called a CAVE, or cave automatic virtual environment, in which users are immersed in an interactive 3D environment.

"For example, if you were a chemist and you had software to do 3D research and you wanted to work with people at other institutions, you would have to write a custom program to connect your two CAVES together," said Laura Arns, associate director of Purdue's Envision Center, which is part of the Rosen Center. "With this software, you write your program just like you normally would for one CAVE. Then you add this software, and it automatically lets you connect both CAVES."