This project was originally begun as a VRML project. We decided to use QuickTime Virtual Reality technology as it was obviously a leader in the VR industry. We tested the feasibility by digitizing the Play Terrace. After shooting, digitizing and compiling the panoramas over a four month period in the start of 1997, we were satisfied with the results. We resumed shooting the other areas of the Children's Medical Center in January 1999. We finished our work in September.

Tools

To capture the QTVR panoramas:

• Nikon N6006 camera
• Nikkor 15MM lens
• Kaidan QTVR Rotating Tripod Head

To capture hallway video:

• Sony VHS camcorder

Software used to put it all together:

• QuickTime Authoring Studio 1.0
• Adobe Photoshop 5.0
• Adobe Premiere 4.0
• Plug-in Helper 1.1d1 (Apple)

Notes

Video equipment was checked out from the New Media Center.

We used a local service provider, CDigital, to digitize all of the film to Kodak Photo CDs.

The hallway QuickTime movies were opened in Plug-in Helper to embed a hyperlink. This allowed us to use movies to navigate between distant nodes.

For the Future

We had discussed the idea of making the site interactive by utilizing characters (such as Oreo the rabbit in the elementary classroom) or objects (such as the basketball hoop in the play terrace). As time permits, we may do some of this.

Additional Information

For more information on this project contact John Jackson or Jack Kelly in the UVa Office of Medical Education or Steve Borowitz, M.D. of the Children's Medical Center.