The intersection of AV, virtual reality, 3D, and Computer Aided Virtual Environments (CAVE) allows companies to take clients inside a design concept and have a look around. This tool offers limitless possibilities for the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Scalable Software saw the potential of this attractive technology and took advantage of it with some help from Draper.
Scalable develops IT advanced display solutions, including automatic image alignment software for when multiple projectors display content. This type of solution is an essential part of successful multi-projector virtual reality presentations.
To promote this use of virtual reality, Scalable sponsors architectural visualization workshops to show AEC clients firsthand the power of an immersive experience.
“As our workshops matured it became clear that having a corner CAVE and a three-sided CAVE would be very beneficial,” said Andrew W. Jamison, president & CEO of Scalable Display Technologies Inc. “We responded by building one of each.”
The CAVE spaces allow users to experience Scalable’s products by immersing them in a 3-D virtual reality experience.
“Our design goal was to repurpose an existing 12’ X 12’ room into a CAVE without modifying the wall structure,” Jamison said of the three-sided CAVE. “The immersive aspect of the screen is critical to the success of the overall experience. Draper proposed a screen design that met our design objective.”
For the framing system, Draper suggested the Edgeless Clarion. The viewing surface wraps around the perimeter frame and attaches to the back side, so the screen is solid white—and perfectly flat— with no visible frame or border. Draper’s precise manufacturing ensured the frame edges join seamlessly together, allowing Scalable to blend content onto all three walls at once.
“The space has a low ceiling, and Scalable wanted the screens to start no more from 6” from the floor,” said Steve Cook, Draper’s national AV consultant manager. “They wanted to cover as much of the room as possible. The screens also had to fit tightly together. We were able to use a custom clamp design from another project to bring the screen edges together.”
Another issue with putting together a CAVE like this is the amount of light being sent around the room.
“There is a lot of light in a situation like this, so a grey surface would have been nice,” Cook said. “But there were concerns about brightness and also hot spotting from the ultra-short throw projectors, so we decided on TecVision XT1000X White as a good compromise.“
Draper’s recommendation paid off. Jamison said the screens are performing well.
“We selected this material because of its uniformity, smooth surface, and wide viewing angles,” he said. “Those three traits are very important for ultra-short throw projection. We don’t see any hotspotting or uniformity issues with the image quality.”
The CAVE uses 3300 lumen laser projectors to deliver content at 1080p, or in “active stereo” mode at 720p. Users may or may not wear 3D glasses with head tracking sensors, depending on the content. Scalable always has visitors view first from the center of the room, which is the perfect viewing location. Whatever the content, the reaction is always the same.
“The first impression in the CAVE is ‘wow’,” Jamison said. “Most visitors have not had the opportunity to experience a display like this before. Our software adds perspective correction to the content, which makes the environment feel that much more immersive.”
The three-sided CAVE is part of Scalable’s Studio, which features a variety of systems ready for local and remote demonstrations. Draper also provided a screen in the entry area to use for marketing, signage, and training. This screen features blended projection on a TecVision XH700 Grey surface.
Contact Draper today to find out how we can help you develop your own immersive projection experience.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
