QTVR experiments

Cal State Hayward has been experimenting with both QuickTime VR object and panorama movies since the technology was made available by Apple Computer.

QuickTime VR is an extension of Apple's QuickTime architecture that allows users to control and explore three dimensional environments and objects. In order to view this content, you must download and install Apple's QuickTime 3.0 version. This is currently a beta release(2/19/98).

Examples of QTVR Panoramas
To photograph a QuickTime VR scene (panorama), the photographer shoots a series of pictures, turning the camera 20-30 degrees after each exposure. After shooting a full 360 degrees (18 or 12 pictures), the images are stitched together using Apple's QuickTime VR authoring tools. The end result is a seamless three dimensional virtual world with the possibility of added interactivity such as sound, zooming and URL chasing capabilities.

Examples of QTVR Objects
Unlike scenes, in which you navigate a single panoramic image, QuickTime VR objects are composed of a number of images. An object is placed on a turn-table or a similar apparatus that allows for full rotation, and shots are taken every 10-20 degrees (depending on the desired smoothness of the movie). After a 360 degree spin, the photographer has the option of tilting the camera up or down and doing additional rotations to provide top or bottom views. The end product in this case is a navigable movie that responds to the users movements allowing for a full examination of the object.

Example of Navigable Map with URL Chasing
The most recent version of QTVR allows one to create non-panoramic movable images, we are calling this feature a navigable map. We have placed "hot spots" on the map that allow one to "chase a URL" or go to another web page.