Software installed on the display nodes

• CAVELib
  This library manages the most basic parts of what must be managed to display an immersive application: view frustra and tracker / controller information. You can write an OpenGL program to use CAVELib directly from C or C++.
• VRScape
  VRScape is an end-user application which displays Open Inventor or VRML files in the CAVE. It is built to allow you to navigate worlds but also serves to manipulate any three-dimensional models as dumped from many visualization programs like ANSYS, VTK, Fluent, and Studio Max.
• VR Juggler
  VR Juggler is an alternative to CAVELib with a more modern, OpenSource version of writing a CAVE application. Again, you would write your own application using OpenGL or a scenegraph, as listed below.
• Eon Studio
  Eon Studio is an application builder which reads files produced by 3D Studio Max and others, then allows you to script their motion or interaction with the viewer.
• Aftershock
  Also known as CAVE Quake, but don't get so excited about shooting things, because you can't. Do get excited about excellent rendering. This is a fast and excellent rendering system permitting navigation with collision detection.

Software and libraries you would use in your application

• OpenGL - We have reference materials on writing OpenGL programs. With OpenGL, you draw most every polygon on the screen yourself. It offers the most control and, in some ways, simplicity, but is the most work of the available options.
• Scenegraphs - Here, you build a graph of solid objects, and the library draws them for you.
  OpenSG - OpenSource scenegraph, probably best used in VR Juggler
  Open Inventor - We purchased runtime licenses for Open Inventor in the CAVE. We also have definitely written Open Inventor programs that run in the CAVE.
• VTK - This is not yet running well in the CAVE, but it does run on the single-wall system, the ConCAVE. This package is directed at producing visualizations of scientific data.
  3D Studio Max - This application lets you build solid models.
  Weblab Viewer - Converts molecular PDB files into VRML for viewing with VRScape.

Tools we have not purchased

Does the CAVE not do what you want? It is possible the right tool is out there. Contact one of the staff (ajd27@cornell.edu), and tell them what you are looking for. Below are some suggestions of packages we haven't yet found reason enough to buy.

SGI Performer for Windows - Performer was the golden boy of SGI CAVEs.
Amira - The company that makes Amira is interested in porting it if we are interested in paying. It's a fast turnkey viewer / application builder for data visualization.