The research and development arm of the VEMI lab provides individualized solutions for companies and researchers requiring rendering and presentation of complex multi-dimensional information , simulation of 3D environments, or modeling of dynamic events that change over space and time. Our approach, called Multimodal Information Virtualization and Augmentation (MIVA), was developed to address a problem faced by a growing number of scientists, researchers, engineers, and commercial interests Across many sectors. Namely, how to  effectively render, present, and manipulate the exponential quantities of data being accumulated and stored.  The limitations of current rendering technologies and presentation techniques are not only leading to reduced efficiency in time, cost, and productivity, they are also adversely effecting human learning, conceptualization, and communication of critical information. Our MIVA service provides a competitive , timely, and cost efficient solution to the challenge of information presentation. Whether it is a multidimensional terrain map, a complex architectural structure, creation of a 3D simulation for training scenarios, or any other project requiring presentation of spatial information, our MIVA service can provide a one-of-a-kind experience which will change the way that you and your clients learn, interact, and conceptualize information. Indeed, we are confident that once you experience the difference that a MIVA 3D display can make, you will agree that there is no comparison between the benefits, flexibility, and competitive advantage of our approach over traditional 2D information visualization techniques.

MIVA Philosophy.

The guiding tenant of our approach is that for an information display, simulation, or prototype to be truly effective, it must be  designed from the onset to be optimized for the end-user and their task. Traditional information displays generally adopt a one-size fits all model, with design decisions primarily driven by computational convenience rather than knowledge of human information processing, the latter only tangentially guiding the design process. Our MIVA approach flips this design equation around, providing a highly tailored solution for each project which starts with addressing specific information requirements and meeting end-user needs and then matching the best technology and rendering horsepower to make it happen. Our approach draws on three complementary areas of expertise:

1. Cutting Edge Technologies. We employ several complementary technologies for information rendering and presentation in the lab. We can support both large and small-scale projects,  as appropriate, using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR, and mixed reality (MR). More about these technologies can be found on  our Virtual and Augmented Reality Research page.

2. Basic Research on Human Information Processing. Our information displays, 3D simulations, and interaction tools are strongly motivated by theories and research on sensory, perceptual, and cognitive contributions to human learning, memory, and attention.

3. Human Factors Engineering. Our approach to interactive design and information presentation is guided by modern usability principles, rigorous user testing, and an iterative design cycle to ensure the end result combines the best technology and implementation to drive the desired user experience.

 Our Multimodal Information Virtualization and Augmentation approach differs from most traditional data and information visualization techniques in three principle ways.

1)      3D rendering. We employ 3D rather than 2D rendering techniques in our information displays. The ability to render 3D dimensionality as a function of time (x, y, z, T dimensions) allows for a far more natural experience and compelling presentation of complex spatial information and dynamic scenarios than is possible from seeing a sequence of the same flattened  2D information or events rendered on a traditional computer display.

2)      Immersive interactions. A major advantage of the VR and AR technology at the heart of our MIVA 3D displays is that they are immersive. That is, the user is actually part of the display and can freely move about in the 3D environment and experience the information dynamically from a first-person point of view, as if they were there. Contrast this experience with what is available from a traditional 2D computer monitor, where the observer is stationary and the information  is seen from a fixed viewing perspective—meaning there is no immersion or compelling sense of “presence”.

3)      Multimodal interactions. The vast majority of visualization techniques  are limited to visual information only . However, our normal perception of the world builds up from the synthesis of multiple sensory sources, of which vision is only one. Thus, our information displays are based on rendering and presentation of multimodal information, E.G. visual, auditory, and haptic inputs, as this affords the most realistic and compelling method for  the delivery and mental representation of information possible.

In sum, MIVA provides researchers and companies  with robust new techniques for rendering, presenting, manipulating, mining, and simulating  information Which goes far beyond what is achievable using traditional 2D vision-only models of data visualization.  By adopting a natural interaction style, maximizing information redundancy, and minimizing techniques which lead to undue cognitive load and conceptual confusion, we believe our MIVA 3D approach represents an unparalleled level of compelling, intuitive, and realism for information displays. More about our MIVA approach can be read here.

Applications of our service.

Our technology provides an extremely flexible, extensible, and interactive tool and our team will work with you to figure out the best presentation and interaction techniques to meet your research, development, or commercialization needs. Some key application areas include:

• 3D Interactive Simulations: Using VR, AR, or mixed environments to display and interpret complex information sets or model events which change over space and time.
• Virtual Prototyping: Designing 3D models and interactive simulations faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than is possible with physical prototypes.

Research Support: Consult with us to help refine your interactive design, perform efficacy testing, usability analysis, or other empirical evaluations to guide your engineering and manufacturing decisions before costly production.

• Training Scenarios: Developing simulations which allow staff or personnel to  practice, learn, and rehearse in a realistic, yet extremely cost effective, VR/AR environment or scenario.
• Virtual Viewsheds and Walk-throughs: It is far cheaper, easier, and faster  to generate and modify a virtual environment than its physical analog, and the former is equally compelling when designed correctly.

Current Design Projects in the Lab.

• MIVA 3D displays for wind energy installations
• MIVA 3D displays for Architecture
• MIVA 3D displays for emergency response training and preparedness

Our Facility.

The VEMI Lab hosts Maine’s first fully immersive virtual reality installation and now also employs augmented reality hardware for greater flexibility and use in realistic training and simulation scenarios. For more about the Technology and development platforms used in the VEMI lab, check out our Resources page.

Our services are available to departments and centers across campus, as well as researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies throughout Maine, New England, nationally, and internationally. Contact us for a consultation to discuss how our MIVA service can provide an end-to-end solution for your 3D information rendering, simulation, or interaction needs.