The Brain Odyssey
The Brain Odyssey Immersive Exhibit
This immersive scientific communication software begins at the macro level of the brain, then dives through multiple microscopic layers—revealing increasingly intricate structures—until reaching the molecular scale, where complex neurotransmitters diffuse across neuronal synapses, driving the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body.
To maintain a smooth educational experience and to achieve the highest medical accuracy, we worked with specialized neurologists to design the perfect anatomically accurate 3D brain. This included 3D digital sculpting, texturing, lighting, animating and programming of all 3D brain assets and then using them to create of all visuals for this immersive Unity-based software application.
Using the Unity3D platform, we engineered this fully interactive brain exhibit application from the ground up using C# programming code. To create this custom application, it was necessary for the team to utilize advanced procedural programming workflows to make sure complex cellular processes are represented accurately. Our software engineering and creative services team spent more than a year designing and developing the exhibit’s most immersive and technically sophisticated experiences.
The human brain is the embodiment of all our experiences. All of our emotions, memories, and sensations are the result of approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain working together. See the human brain in ways never before seen. By harnessing the entertaining aspects of immersive technologies and medical science, we bring the brain to life. This is a multifaceted installation designed to put the marvels and mysteries of the brain at visitors' fingertips. Originally opened at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and developed for large scale 4K display screens, developed in partnership with the design firm Ideum.
This museum installation, is designed to put the marvels and mysteries of the brain at visitors' fingertips. The human brain is the most complex of all living structures in the known universe. Despite vast bounds in our understanding of the brain, it is still considered one of the least understood frontiers of the human body.
Available in Three Configurations
One version offers a fully interactive kiosk complete with an Ideum inline touch screen and joystick in a cabinet, along with a 4K projector and computer. The touch screen allows visitors to “dive” to each level of the journey, while the joystick provides navigation within each level. This version is closest to the exhibit’s original format.
The Brain Odyssey is also available with the Ideum Touchless Pedestal which was announced last month and utilizes the Touchless Design software. This version replaces the touch screen control panel with completely gesture-based navigation.
Finally, the experience is available as either a touch or touchless version formatted for use with our Drafting II touch table. The touchless version of this configuration utilizes Ideum’s award-winning add-on hardware module to transform hand gestures into onscreen actions.
Areas of Interest:
The Brain Odyssey begins showing the brain's exterior and then dives closer, revealing multiple microscopic levels and more intricate structures. Finally, visitors can zoom all of the way into the molecular structure of complex neurotransmitters, diffusing across the tiny synapses, causing the transfer of a nerve impulse. This experience also includes multiple supplemental videos for each level that explains other exciting details of the brain. For example: on level 01 there is an included video called "The Electric Brain" that shows how the cells of your brain use electrical signals to transfer information across your entire body.
This immersive exhibit opens with a gorgeous visualization of the brain's electrical activity. This is designed to attract users to this experience by looping continuously with ambient music playing in the background. Once the user engages the experience, you are then introduced to a beautifully rendered anatomically accurate human brain.
Levels of Immersion:
LEVEL 00: THE HOME SCREEN
This immersive exhibit opens with a striking visualization of the brain’s electrical activity, looping continuously with ambient music (Like a screen saver). Once engaged, the experience transitions to a beautifully rendered, anatomically accurate human brain.
LEVEL 01: THE BRAIN LOBES
The first level has five areas of interest allowing visitors to select lobes and other areas to learn more. For example, exploring the frontal lobe reveals the brain region that controls higher cognitive functions.
LEVEL 02: LIMBIC SYSTEM
This level highlights the limbic system. It is located deep within the brain, so part of the outer brain is removed to reveal its internal structures. The limbic system is composed of four main components: the hippocampus, the amygdala, the hypothalamus, and the thalamus.
LEVEL 03: HIPPOCAMPAL CIRCUITS
In the third level, we explore synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Here, you can see how signals are relayed through neural circuits and carried to other regions of the brain, ultimately influencing human physiology and behavior.
LEVEL 04: NEURONS
This fourth level shows the many types of neurons and how they transmit information. Neurons are supported by glial cells, which gettheir name from the Latin word for “glue.” You will also learn about astrocytes, a type of glial cell that helps support and maintain the structure of neural tissue.
LEVEL 05: SYNAPSE
This level focuses on the synapse. In a neuron, the synapse is the structure between two neurons that allows one neuron to pass a chemical or electrical signal to another. It consists of many working parts, including synaptic vesicles. These are small, bubble-like structures that contain neurotransmitters, which are released into the synaptic cleft through a processcalled exocytosis.
LEVEL 06: NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow one neuron to communicate with another neuron or cell. They are small chemical messengers released by neurons. While neurons transmit information electrically along their length, communication between cells occurs chemically through neurotransmitters. These signals can either excite (increase activity) or inhibit (decrease activity) in the receiving cell.
LARGE FORM FACTOR :
This hardware includes a large 4K projection display and touch screen control panel which enhances the existing details from the Brain Odyssey exhibit. The exhibit's size and interactivity make it possible for large groups to view the projected Brain Odyssey imagery together. Plus, the integrated high-fidelity stereo audio system pulls users across the gallery into the brain inner-space journey.
This exhibit space includes these large form factor projection features:
Barco 4K Projector
Wall Controller PC with NVIDIA P5000 GPU
43" Inline Display (Control console)
Integrated PC (Control console)
AV Integration
Kiosk with Joystick and Electronics (Control Console)
ENTTEC Phero 33 RGB Pixel Bar (Halo lighting)
ENTTEC Pixelator Mini Controller (Halo lighting)
PC for ArtNex/DMX Control System (Halo lighting)
This form factor includes reskinning the user interface to work on your specific type of hardware aspect ratio, and 3 years software support.
SMALL FORM FACTOR :
Other configurations are available by request. For example, tablet-based controls, touch screen control panels and even touchless controls, listed below. These smaller form factors still utilize the enhanced beauty of the Brain Odyssey exhibit. Contact us for more information.
Real-Time Configuration
All form factors include custom configuration options shown below. These admin settings can be changed in real-time.
Note: Point of interest "POI" are these markers below. These POIs are used on each exhibit level to show the areas of interest. When they are selected you will be provided with interactive feedback on screen providing more details. Inside of the application we have created configuration files that can be easly customized to fine-tune your immersive experience. These areas are listed below.
Customization Options:
POI Selection Area
POI Selection Time
POI Marker Fade Out Time
POI Marker Default/Selected Color
Camera Rotation/Zoom Speed
Attract Screen Timeout Length
Attract Screen Brain Rotation Speed
Display Resolution
Updates for Audio volume for music & various environmental sound effects
Pixel distance from screen edge for displaying
Off-screen markers
Using spoken voice-overs for each POI
A warranty with 3 years of software support
Additionally you can add Ideums new "Touchless Pedestal" which expands the opportunities for a "Zero-Touch" interaction. The new pedestal is made for large displays, video walls, and projection environments.
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