The document appears to be from the website of the Electronic Visualization Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It discusses the lab's work in big data, virtual and augmented reality systems like ImmersaDesk and LambdaTable, as well as its role in establishing over 100 CAVE virtual reality installations worldwide. The document also lists some campus building locations.
Founded in 1973 the Electronic Visualization Lab is the longest standing institution in the United States combining Art & CS. [10]We are a big lab supporting 10 full time staff, 17 graduate students and half a dozen undergraduates. [8]
One of our earliest claims to fame is that we created the computer graphics for Star Wars in 1976. [8]We are pioneers in Data Visualization, having coined the term Scientific Visualization in 1987. [8]Which means to translate data into images to enable insight [5]
This is particularly relevant today because many of the worlds biggestproblems such as understanding climate change, balancing the federal budget, reducing crime, or discovering new medical cures requires us to make sense of enormous amounts of data. We are simply drowning in this stuff.[20]
Sight is the primary sense through which we receive information from the world. And Half of the human brain is dedicated to processing visual information. So if you are not using visualization to understand problems you are not using half of your brain to solve the problems. [19]
It has therefore been our mission in the past 39 years to continue to bring the latest advances in computer graphics to help scientists, engineers, policy makers and the general public turn data into insight by building the best possible lenses for them to bring their data into focus.[20]
Specifically in 1992 we developed the CAVE- a virtual reality room created from projecting computer graphics on translucent walls, creating the illusion that 3D objects appear to be real.It was considered a paradigm shift in virtual reality which previously required you wear big heavy helmets. [21]
Today CAVEs are still being built and are used for automotive design, oil and gas exploration, medical training, and even archeology.[10]Shown here is the use of the CAVE for the design of one of General Motor’s cars. To the person sitting in the CAVE, the car looks real. [10]
Two years ago Saudi Arabia built their first CAVE at the King Abdulah Univ of Science and Technology.And last year the University of Wisconsin Madison built one too. Today the mark of a top research institution is if you own a CAVE. [18]
But we're not standing still. The world has been waiting 20 years for us to give them a new CAVE. Finally in October of 2012 we unveiled a new visualization instrument that we felt was a worthy successor to the CAVE.And it only seemed appropriate that we call it: CAVE2. [20]
I hope you will come visit CAVE2 to see for yourself. Bring your problems and bring your data.[6]