Another type of CAVE

This is another example of "cave" photography (actually this was generated from several photos blended together using Photo Shop).  In computing the CAVE stands for "CAVE Augmented Virtual Environment"  The neat thing about a CAVE is that you can actually walk around and interact with the environment in three dimensions (assuming you don't get sea sick).  The bad thing is that it really isn't good for much except showing how advanced your computing facilities are (especially good for recruiting purposes).  I will admit that there were two or three times that I found it quite useful, but a 3D workstation is more convenient (and you don't have to walk across campus).  The system shown is located at Brown University.  The weird objects in the ceiling are tracking devices, mirrors and projectors for generating the four different images that are seamlessly put together.

Photography I don't do anymore.....

I ran across today's picture while cleaning up some older stuff.  Back when I was in college I spent many weekends crawling around inside the local limestone caves.  For those who were willing to carry two or three heavy ammo boxes filled with cameras and flashbulbs (and take a chance on destroying your gear) the images were wonderful.  You could actually see more in the photographs because the lighting was actually better (most of the time in the cave you were restricted to the beam of your flashlight or headlamp).  You would typically put your camera on a tripod and then walk around setting off your flash unit.  Needless to say it was a hit-and-miss technique.  Too many of these caves have been vandalized over the years--a real shame.