The demonstration of the Kairos VR system at the International Conference on Entertainment Computing (ICEC 2022), in November 2022, was a highlight of the event. Kairos is a truly immersive Virtual Reality experience that transports users to the botanical garden of the University of Coimbra. The system was developed by Maximilian Rubin and it won the Student Game and Interactive Entertainment Competition of ICEC 2022.
Kairos was made using photogrammetry, which is a technique for creating 3D models by analyzing overlapping photographs of a scene. This allows for highly accurate and detailed representations of the garden in virtual reality.
What really sets the Kairos system apart is its unique point-cloud aesthetics. A point cloud is a collection of data points in 3D space, and Kairos uses this approach to create a stunningly realistic virtual reality environment. As users move through the garden, they are surrounded by a constantly shifting field of points, giving the impression of being immersed in a living, breathing, dream-like space.
During the demonstrations, attendees were able to explore the botanical garden in a way that was simply not possible in the physical world. They could walk through the rows of trees and plants, marveling at the intricate details and textures of each species. The VR experience also allowed them to get up close and personal with the plants, examining their features in a way that would have been impossible in the real world.
Overall, the demonstrations of the Kairos VR system at ICEC 2022 were a major success, showcasing the potential of virtual reality technology to transport users to new and exciting places. The unique point-cloud aesthetics added an extra level of interest, making the experience truly unforgettable.
