UR Enters Virtual Reality System in Microsoft Competition
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CampusTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 / VOLUME 142, ISSUE 4 Times SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SINCE 1873 / campustimes.org UR enters virtual reality system in Microsoft competition BY RACHEL KAPLAN person’s movement and the SENIOR STAFF virtual response of a gaming system in order to create a Last week, the Computer lifelike and accurate portrayal of Science HapTech Research Team physical activity on a television worked to become one of four screen. teams to make it to the U.S. finals HapTech was originally created round of the Microsoft Imagine as a competitive entry to the Cup, a worldwide competition Intel-Cornell Cup competition, of technological innovations an intercollegiate event hosted by among student teams. Intel in Florida for robotics and Seniors Lucian Copeland, embedded systems teams across Jordan Brooks and Alexander the United States. Matthers; juniors Morgan Sinko, Head of Hardware for the Christian Freitas, Gary Ge and HapTech team Jordan Brooks Minsoo Lee; and sophomores said, “our system is a virtual- Kian Jones and Casey Waldren and augmented-reality suite that CHI HUANG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER have been working in the field aims to change how we interact of haptics since the fall of 2013. with data, virtual environments, Haptics is a field involving the and even each other by allowing DANCERS PERFORM AT CELEBRATION OF CHINESE NEW YEAR science of touch, which can free motion unbound by the China Night, in Strong Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 14 featured skits, cultural dances, and student performances. be modeled using a variety of range of a camera and providing sensors and other devices to haptic, or touch feedback, to its cause vibrations, which in turn users.” produces a feedback response. HapTech users wear a suit SA passes resolution for better The team has been working composed of gloves, elbow on a major technological project pads and a vest lined with tiny they call HapTech, a virtual feedback actuators that allow a funding of counseling services system that aims to combine person’s physical movement to BY ANGELA REMUS of the problem lay in a lack increased funding for UCC. sensing and feedback to facilitate be detected and thus projected PUBLISHER of funding: with the current “We’re hoping that the relevant the relationship between a SEE HAPTECH PAGE 4 level of funding, which affects parties will see the resolution as After representatives on the staffing, only a limited number a cry for help,” Holloway said. Student Advisory Committee of cases can be handled. While all In the event that UCC does learned of lengthy waits to receive students are given a preliminary receive increased funding, the a weekly appointment schedule appointment within a week of resolution also requests that such with the University Counseling contact with UCC, they may funding be used “to expand the Center (UCC), the Students have to wait to schedule a regular hours available for appointments Association (SA) took action and weekly appointment. to better accommodate students’ passed the “Resolution Urging When the problem was academic schedules, and to the Expansion and Improvement brought before Senate, they increase staffing for the purpose of UCC Resources” on Feb. 9. created a resolution calling on of expanding student access to Class of 2016 Senator and University Health Service, the individual and group counseling Wellness Coordinator Melissa Office of the President, the sessions.” Holloway was involved in Board of Trustees and other Ultimately, the SA resolved to bringing the matter before the relevant parties “to increase support expanding the resources SA Senate. funding for UCC to allow allocated to students’ mental “I was hearing from students for the betterment of [UR’s] well-being. that there was a long wait counseling services.” “Hopefully we can increase list at the counseling center,” In the upcoming weeks, the resources for students on Holloway said. “I met with members of the SA, including campus who need this support,” Paula Reynolds at UCC and had Esce, will reach out to Holloway said. “You don’t want a conversation with her to ask administrators to ensure that to be one of those kids who are about the process and see where they are aware of the resolution moderate priorities. Having the problem might lie.” and its contents. While the the resources to get all students SA President and senior resolution itself will not alter support when they want them Antoinette Esce also met with funding, it may encourage will create a safe environment Director of University Health administrators and other parties for all students.” Service Dr. Ralph Manchester. to put the matter on their Remus is a member of PHOTO COURTESTY OF HAPTECH RESEARCH TEAM They discovered that the root agendas and perhaps encourage the class of 2016. A member of the HapTech team demonstrates the virtual reality suit. JUMP BACK, YIK YAK YALE UNIVERSITY FOOD, FILM AND INSIDE ON EUROPE CULTURE THIS CT Is the anonymous social media Kate Tepper ‘15, back from the The Department of Modern app overused on college European Student Conference Languages & Cultures screens campuses? at Yale, talks politics and law. international films in a new series. PAGE 5 OPINIONS PAGE 10 FEATURES PAGE 12 A&E CHRISTIAN CIERI / ILLUSTRATOR PAGE 2 / campustimes.org NEWS / THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 WEATHER FORECAST COURTESY OF WEATHER.COM FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY A.M. Snow Showers A.M. Snow Showers Snow Showers/Wind High 8, Low -4 High 33, Low 27 High 36, Low 6 Chance of snow: 50% Chance of snow: 40% Chance of snow: 90% PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE Student flies drone above Eastman Quad BRIAN CAPUTO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER BY ANGELA LAI fire coming from the box. The NEWS EDITOR Rochester Fire Department PANEL DISCUSSES POLAND'S TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY (RFD) and University Facilities A panel discussion on Feb. 16 commemorated the 25th anniversary of the transition to democracy in Poland as part of 1. On Feb. 13 at 2:12 p.m., a staff responded to the alarm. 1989: The End of the System, which also featured an exhibition in Rettner Hall. Department of Public Safety The cause for the alarm was (DPS) officer responded to the burned wires in the box. The report of a person flying a drone panel was taken out of service THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS in the Eastman Quadrangle until it could be repaired. The area. The officer made contact RFD confirmed there were no THURSDAY with a student who was flying a other issues in the building. FEBRUARY 19 drone on the quad. The student There were no injuries and the RACHEL MADAN: CORPORATE DIGITAL HUMANITIES SPEAKER was advised that the Federal fire alarm was reset. RESPONSIBILITY MOREY HALL 321, 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Aviation Administration (FAA) SCHLEGEL HALL EISENBERG ROTUNDA, 4:45 P.M. - 5:45 P.M. Laura Mandell, director of the Initiative for Digital has restricted the use of drones Taxi sideswipes bus Rachel Madan ‘99, sustainability officer at International Humanities, Media and Culture at Texas A&M or other model-type aircraft. Finance Corp., will discuss corporate responsibility as University, will give the talk, “Scaling Up: Search as The FAA states they cannot be 3. On Feb. 13 at 5:29 p.m., a career path. A reception will follow the talk. Research.” This talk is free and open to the public. flown within five miles of any DPS officers responded to airport. The student did not the report of a motor vehicle FRIDAY accident between a UR bus FEBRUARY 20 realize he was within five miles of the airport. The student was (operated by First Transit) and HIP-HOP DANCE CLASS A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES cooperative and said he would a car on Wilson Boulevard near SPURRIER DANCE STUDIO, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. WILSON COMMONS MAY ROOM, 8:00 P.M. - 10:15 P.M. not fly the drone in the area Ford Street. Officers found that An accomplished teacher and choreographer, Rodney No Jackets Required will present “A Night at the again. the bus had been sideswiped by Hill has taught in universities and dance studios locally, Movies,” featuring music from popular movies such a taxi trying to pass it. There nationally and internationally. Admission is free. as “The Graduate,” “Footloose” and “Titanic.” Admission is $5 for the general public. Burning wires set off fire was minor damage to the bus alarm in Strong and the taxi lost its passenger side mirror. The bus had UR SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21 2. On Feb. 11 at 3:03 students and staff onboard at p.m., DPS officers responded the time of the accident. There BENEFIT DINNER: HOPE IN HEALTH ROYAL RAAT: A NIGHT OF ROYALTY to the fire alarm in Strong were no reported injuries and MEDICAL CENTER FLAUM ATRIUM, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. WILSON COMMONS MAY ROOM, 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. GlobeMed will host its 4th annual benefit dinner to ADITI presents the 5th Annual Formal Dinner, Royal Auditorium. Upon arrival, Rochester Police responded to advocate for healthy relationships for youth in the Raat: A Night of Royalty! Tickets are available at the officers encountered a strong take an accident report. Rochester area and the communities of Iquitos, Peru. Common Market for $12) and at the door for $15. burning odor coming from an Lai is a member of Tickets can be bought online. This event is open to UR students only. electrical breaker box in the the class of 2018. lower level auditorium area. Information provided by SUNDAY There was no actual smoke or UR Public Safety. FEBRUARY 22 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FAMILY DAY CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA MEMORIAL ART GALLERY, NOON - 5:00 P.M.