CAVE

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A CAVE (cave automatic virtual environment) is a unique 3D virtual reality environment which displays images of other people and objects located in other CAVEs anywhere at anytime. What makes caves significantly different from a virtual reality simulation is that it is a holigraphic device – meaning, it creates and captures and displays images in true three-dimensional form. Individuals get exact representations of people in other CAVE environments. Unlike virtual reality CAVEs do not require any unique gear. The simulation can be experienced by the eyes and ears of the individuals

How it works
Upon entering the cave various digital video cameras capture the complete physiological characteristics of yourself and participants from abroad and broadcast those images into other CAVEs. Human interaction can mirrors that as if the person were in the same room with you, you can see and hear everything he/she experiences and vice versa.

Future considerations
Imagine the endless possibilities that CAVE technology presents both in the business and personal use. In respect to business, customer service can change completely. Consider a customer complaint or technical assistance, instead of picking up a phone, a customer can enter a CAVE and a customer service rep via a CAVE could properly amend the problem. Or consider a teacher who commutes from Whitby to Mississauga to teach. With a CAVE the teacher would never have to attend class, she would simply enter a cave and broadcast herself into the classroom.

Reflection
CAVE technology while similar to virtual reality technology has inherent differences. While virtual reality attempts to simulate an environment/situation with the assistance of equipment, CAVEs do not. The CAVE is the first step to a truly holographic simulation of real-time. It eliminates age old technology constraints placed upon interaction between individuals. For the longest time, technology has attempted to mirror the human experience by increasing the capabilities to simulate our senses. CAVEs open the realm into the realm of star trek – once an inconceivable thought. Individuals can now interact with each other without consent to geography and time barriers. What does this mean for human interaction? CAVEs possess the possibility of being the most interactive technology in the sense that it mirrors exactly what we see and hear. Time will only tell how this new technology will disseminate into society.