As part of a brand new 480,000 SF facility, The Stead Family University of Iowa Children’s Hospital is home to an interactive environment for patients, creating an exciting escape from the typical hospital atmosphere.
In interactive projection mapping mode, audiovisual systems create an immersive experience utilizing motion sensing cameras, specialized content, and surround sound. Images from a series of ceiling-mounted projectors are blended together to create a single scene. Projections are mapped to the shape of the room allowing content to play on the walls and floor. Using gesture control technology, children of varying heights and abilities will have equal access to interacting with the system. Children are able to use gesture control to engage with content, such as walking in a pond filled with fish or virtually playing with cartoon characters.
In theatre mode, projection mapping is turned off to display content from outside sources such as computers, Blu-Ray/DVD players and gaming consoles. When the theatre is not being used for group activities, auxiliary inputs are available to connect laptops, tablets, or smartphones to the system to watch movies, play games, and video-chat.
Understanding that some children may not be able to attend events in person, the audiovisual system features streaming technologies supported by a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera integrated into the large display mounting system. This allows anyone in the building to tune their television to a specific channel and view events in this space.
Designed as a place of healing for children and their families, the new theatre and event space allows patients to laugh, play, and interact with this state-of-the-art environment.
