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Virtual & Augmented Reality

Learn about Virtual and Augmented Reality, and services available at the Nexus Collaborative Learning Lab!

Use Policies

There is one HTC Vive stations that are available in the RLML (Ruth Lilly Medical Library) Makerspace (IB202). The station was co-funded by the Library and the UITS Advanced Visualization Lab and are available to those with an IU username and passphrase during the RLML Makerspace normal operating hours (Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm).

There are 3 other HTC Vive stations that are available in the Nexus (IB207). These stations were co-funded by the Library and UITS Advanced Visualization Lab and are available to those with an IU username and passphrase during the Ruth Lilly Medical Library's normal operating hours.

Students at the IU School of Medicine have 24/7 access to these stations. All are expected to follow the University's policies on Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources, Excessive Use of Information Technology Resources, and Misuse and Abuse of Information Technology Resources. Users may be asked to leave the Nexus at the discretion of the library employees.

HTC Vive

Image of the HTC Vive headset, surround by two base stations on the top and two motion controllers on the bottom

Technical Specifications:

  • Resolution: 1080 x 1200 pixels per eye (2160 x 1200 pixels combined)
  • Field of view: 110 degrees
  • Room-scale: 6’6’’ x 5’ min. room size, 16’4’’ max. between base stations

Oculus Quest 2

Technical Specifications:

  • Resolution: 1832 × 1920 pixels per eye (3664 x 1920 pixels combined)
  • Field of view: 89 degrees
  • Room-scale: Built-in cameras allow the user to select their own room scale up to 49ft (15 meters) per side.

Safety and Precautions

  • Remove any tripping hazards from the area before using the headset, move carefully, and have a friend watch out for you, if possible.
  • Remember that while using the headset you will not be aware of objects and people around you. Some VR apps use hand motions, so please be mindful when moving your hands or have a friend watch out for you.
  • If you are new to VR, start by taking a break after a 10-15 minute immersive experience. For those more experienced, it is recommended that you take at least a 10-15 minute break every 30 minutes. Discontinue use if you experience nausea, headaches, eye strain, disorientation, or general discomfort despite following these steps.
  • If you have a previous history of epilepsy or seizures, loss of awareness, or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition, consult your doctor before using the product. To reduce the likelihood of a seizure do not use the product if you are tired or need sleep.

How To

The videos and document linked below show you how to get started with the HTC Vive stations at the Nexus Collaborative Learning Lab. 

VR Apps for the HTC Vive