How to Run the CAVE Simulator

If you file runs fine in the CAVE simulator then it will work fine in the CAVE.   Thus before we go over to the CAVE we should be sure that our files will work. 

*NOTE:  Before you can run your files in either the CAVE or the CAVE Simulator you need to package your files first!

1.  Open a Unix Shell.  This can be done using the Toolchest (upper right corner of your screen) opening.gif (18326 bytes)
2.  After the Unix shell appears type the command

% pwd

This command gives your path.

Then change your directory by typing

% cd/usr/local/CAVE/cave6u

 

Now to run the simulator!

Type the Command:

 shell_open.gif (8503 bytes)
% ./mw simulator  your path/your file name 

 

Now you should see the simulator appear in a separate window! 

If your file works in the simulator then it will work fine in the CAVE.

simulator.gif (12538 bytes)

 

How to control the simulator!

Display Modes

There are three display modes for the simulator

  • mode 0
    • displays what appears on one of the CAVE's walls.
  • mode 1
    • displays the normal perspective view.  This is what you would see if you were standing in the CAVE.
  • mode 2
    • displays a third-person view showing another user inside the CAVE

The simulator can also show the position of the user's head and of the wand, the current frame rate, and the outline of the physical CAVE, and can black-out-the parts of the scene which would not visible due to the lack of right, back and ceiling walls.

The keyboard commands for these options are:

0 ...... Switch to "wall-view" mode
1 ...... Switch to user centered Perspective mode
2 ...... Switch to Outside the CAVE mode
D .......... Switch to "Desk mode" (for outline & blackout)
C .......... Switch to "CAVE mode" (for outline & blackout)
T .......... Toggle timing (frame rate) display
W .......... Toggle display of wand
U .......... Toggle display of user (head)
INSERT ..... Toggle display of CAVE/Immersadesk outline
DEL ........ Toggle blackout of right, rear, and ceiling walls
H .......... Print help text

 

Head Controls (Rotate and walk around)

The simulated user's head can be moved and rotated within the CAVE using the arrow keys.
Note that the head is restricted to remain within the confines of physical CAVE. The commands to control the head are:

LEFT_ARROW ............ Move left
RIGHT_ARROW ........... Move right
UP_ARROW .............. Move forward
DOWN_ARROW ............ Move backward
SHIFT + UP_ARROW ...... Move up
SHIFT + DOWN_ARROW .... Move down
ALT + LEFT_ARROW ...... Rotate left
ALT + RIGHT_ARROW ..... Rotate right
ALT + UP_ARROW ........ Rotate up
ALT + DOWN_ARROW ...... Rotate down
P .......... Reset head and wand to initial positions

Right Click ........ To go to next viewpoint

 

The Wand Controls for the Simulator

The wand is controlled using the mouse. Moving the mouse while holding down the appropriate key will move or rotate the wand. As with the head, the wand is restricted to stay inside the CAVE. When the user's head is moved, the wand is moved with it.

The wand movement controls are as follows:

CTRL + mouse movement ....... Move wand left/right/forward/back
SHIFT + mouse movement ...... Move wand left/right/up/down
ALT + mouse movement ........ Rotate wand left/right/up/down
< and > .......... Roll wand (rotate about Z)
HOME ....... Reset wand to be in front of user