AZ-LIVE is a room in the CCIT building of the University of Arizona where university researchers, faculty, and students can be immersed in a three-dimensional, computer generated world. The environment combines 3D computer graphics, stereoscopic projection technology, acoustical tracking devices, and four-channel audio to create the illusion of being present in a virtual world. The reconfigurable projection walls allow users to view their virtual worlds in an intimate CAVE-like (CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment) enclosure, a slightly larger immersing theater, or a very large flat vertical display. The advanced projection and tracking system, along with the computing technology in AZ-LIVE, combine to create an environment in which a wide range of applications, models, and virtual worlds can be displayed and navigated interactively.

Walk around, peer under and over, analyze and interact with molecular systems. Chemists, biologists and others can use computer simulations or manual manipulations to interact with such structures to see what changes result. Faculty and students from the fields of molecular dynamics, atmospheric sciences, medical reconstructions, digital arts, and others have already explored their models in the virtual environment. If you are interested in having a demo tour of the CAVE or if you would like to know if you can display your model, please contact Marvin Landis, marvinl@arizona.edu or 621-8258.

Kate Taralova, UBRPer in Dr. William Montfort, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics