Virtual Reality and Visualisation

The Centre for High Performance Computing and Visualisation (HPC/V) offers unique, high-tech Virtual Reality (VR) facilities: the Reality Centre. To facilitate the use of this installation by scientists, HPC/V develops in-house 3D software solutions and adapts existing software to run in the Reality Cube and Reality Theatre. HPC/V also organises courses, workshops and demonstrations to spread their knowledge on Virtual Reality.

As companies and other non-universitary parties can also benefit from the VR technology and expertise at HPC/V, these high-tech facilities have a wide impact even outside the university, and strengthen the (local) economy. Many successful projects on the field of architectural and landscape visualisation have been carried out in this way.

Below you will find a list of various 3D visualisation and Virtual Reality applications at HPC/V.

VR in psychology

Besides its many uses in the 'exact' sciences, Virtual Reality (VR) has many uses in the field of psychology. Offering high levels of repeatability and control, it is an excellent platform for doing psychological experiments. Also, VR allows for effective treatment of anxiety disorders such as acrophobia, agoraphobia, fear of flying, eating disorders or social disorders. »

Astronomy

Recent advances in modern astronomy provide us with a huge amount of data and information about the Universe. Positional data is no longer limited to our own Solar system, and we now have accurate position data for stars, the interstellar medium, and even galaxies. Virtual Reality is used in our Reality Cube to render and comprehend this huge environment. »

Landscape Architecture / Urban planning

A landschape architect solves spacial problems by design en visualises new topographical situations. By using Virtual Reality, questions regarding lines of sight or waterheights can be answered easily and clearly. »

Data visualisation

3D visualisation and Virtual Reality are powerful tools to gain insight in large amounts of abstract data, such as simulation results, online databases or scientific measurement data. »

Interior design

With our 3D design software, you can interactively design the interior of your office, house or boat, while being immersed in the model itself.
Objects such as desks, walls or cupboards can be moved, rotated or copy-pasted at will, and colors and materials can be changed as well.

This allows one to experiment with different solutions to design problems, and by bringing the 'end user' into the whole process, this often leads to a better design. »

Art and exhibitions

Virtual Reality (and 3D in general) is a powerful platform for many artistic applications. HPC/V has created several museum exhibits and also supports artists creating works in 3D. The Reality Cube has served as a platform for an abstract art work, and a theatre play was performed in the Reality Theatre. »

Simulations

The HPC/V is not only involved in the simulations of molecular dynamics, fluid dynamics etc (done on the high performance computing facilities),  but also in the simulation of people or the simulation of vehicles. »

VR in history and archeology

Virtual Reality is an excellent way of bringing our ancient history to life. By using 3D reconstructions, experts can answer many historical questions, for example regarding the construction of a building or lines of sight in a town. Additionally, Virtual Reality is very well suited to communicate historical knowledge to a broad audience. »

Oil & gas industry

NAM (Shell/Exxon) works together with the center for High Performance Computing and Visualisation on all kinds of visualisation problems, but with a focus on seismic data and landscape visualisations (when a drilling rig was planned at some location). »