NorthwestFebruary 22, 2018

WSU students enjoy the wonders of technology created by two former professors at the school

JOSH BABCOCK of the Tribune
Washington State University research operations engineer Scott Hanson watches the Olympics via virtual reality technology Wednesday in the atrium of the Spark Building on the WSU campus in Pullman.
Washington State University research operations engineer Scott Hanson watches the Olympics via virtual reality technology Wednesday in the atrium of the Spark Building on the WSU campus in Pullman.Tribune/Steve Hanks
Images displayed on a cellphone are magnified by fresnel lenses into the hood, providing a very real experience.
Images displayed on a cellphone are magnified by fresnel lenses into the hood, providing a very real experience.Tribune/Steve Hanks

PULLMAN - Washington State University students who couldn't make the trip to South Korea caught a break Wednesday when the 2018 Winter Olympics came to them.

Using virtual reality technology developed by Sankar and Uma Jayaram, two former WSU professors, students inside the Spark Building on the WSU campus strapped on headsets and experienced the Olympic games almost as though they were really there.

"(Sankar) had a vision to be at Seahawks games, but not be in Seattle," said WSU computer systems administrator Tony Burt.

The Jayarams started their company, 3D-4U, to craft the technology required to break the distance barrier but still enjoy a live stadium experience. In 2016, 3D-4U was purchased by Intel, which now provides virtual reality experiences for the Olympics.

Burt said hundreds of sets of cameras are used to capture nearly every Olympic event. He said no camera stands alone. In fact, each vantage point requires 12 cameras to capture 180 degrees of action to provide those in virtual reality a view from shoulder to shoulder. A 360-degree view is offered for some events.

"It felt like you were right there," said WSU freshman Kelsey Byus after slipping off a virtual reality headset Wednesday. "I've heard of the goggles, but it felt like you were really there."

While students took turns donning the glasses, others watched the experience simultaneously on a big screen.

Anita Peralta, who works in the Provost's Office, watched snowboarders shredding the halfpipe.

"It's cool to experience what people actually experience over there," she said.

Peralta said she started the experience by viewing from only one set of cameras, like a seat in a stadium, then she switched to a setting that followed snowboarders through their entire run.

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"Even if you're there in real life you don't get that opportunity," Peralta said.

Burt said the entire Sweet 16 of the NCAA basketball tournament in March will be available live. He said other sporting events, like NBA games, already are being aired live in virtual reality.

Scott Hanson, WSU research operations engineer, said he expects the technology to reach the Super Bowl before long.

"Imagine a Super Bowl where you could make your own replays," Hanson said. "You can basically go back and watch the game the way you want to."

But Hanson said the technology is bigger than the Super Bowl.

"The big thing is someone from WSU is going to have an impact felt around the world," he said.

The Jayarams will be returning to WSU on April 5 to speak at the Lanning Lecture at Goertzen Hall and discuss the virtual reality technology. They were unable to be reached for comment this week as they are in PyeongChang, South Korea, setting up and monitoring the cameras at the Olympics.

The virtual reality viewing of the Olympics also will be available from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Spark Building.

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Babcock may be contacted at jbabcock@lmtribune.com or at (509) 339-3423.

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