Spatially Distributed and Stabilized 3-D Surround Sound Using Multi-Resolution Signal Processing Algorithms for Virtual Environments

Abstract : The Homunculus Project at the University of New Mexico is developing a high performance computing, multidimensional virtual reality laboratory for construction, simulation, evaluation, perception, and comprehension of complex software systems and simulations. This virtual reality interface provides a laboratory without walls in which scientists enter and interact with their software systems, effectively becoming the "little person in the brain of the machine". Capabilities include tools for multidimensional visualization of data flow graphs and visual programs, sampling/displaying of information at random points in graphs for diagnostics, reconfiguration of software modules,and monitoring high performance computers performing the actual calculations. Visual programming graphs are represented in the Homunculus as dynamic, continuously varying conceptual resolution objects joined by multi-resolution information channels. The operator uses an immersive virtual reality head-mounted display to view the living structures and use virtual tools to locomote and navigate through the world, interact with the simulations, and monitor the behavior of the external physical systems under software control. Research continues on the development of infrastructure for this virtual laboratory and the measurement of its effectiveness.