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VREfresh #231: Saturday, July 19, 2003
Users, Applications & Projects 01 Reality Center for Occidental Petroleum 02 Glasgow Science Centre Selects amiraVR 03 I-DOME at Science Museum of Valladolid 04 DLP Video Projectors at Denver Museum 05 Students Immersed at Sci-Quest Theatre 06 Onyx4 UltimateVision Purchased by LANL 07 Boeing Selects Software 08 Studio Ghibli Installs Digital Timing and Preview System 09 Interested in Historical VR? 10 Ex-Superscape User or Developer? 11 UltimateVision: One-Fifth the Price 12 New Systems by Fakespace 13 VR Compliant Line of Systems 14 SpaceTraveler from 3Dconnexion 15 WorldToolKit Release 10 16 Carrara Studio 3 17 Support for FBX in Wings 3D 18 Business People Library 19 ACUITIV v3.3 20 Creator Terrain Studio v1.1 21 Kaldera from Mankua - 3ds max Plug-in 22 Anarchy Toolbox for After Effects 23 3D-SPORT for Golf 24 Siemens Mobile & ARM Swerve i3D Graphics Client 25 BOXX Technologies & Splutterfish 26 Patents on Spatial 3D Technology 27 StereoGraphics SynthaGram Pricing in Germany 28 Competition for Virtalis in UK 29 Buyers Fly to Ascension 30 Gaijin Entertainment to use LifeStudio:HEAD 31 Research Fellow Post: EQUATOR IRC 32 Research Engineer in Computer Graphics 33 Bob Jacobson 34 People: E&S 35 People: Oregon3D 36 People: Superscape (& ARM) 37 International Conference on Virtual Storytelling 38 Computer Animation and Social Agents 2004 Conference 39 Looking forward to Siggraph
231.01 Reality Center for Occidental Petroleum
In March 2003, SEOS, in partnership with SGI, completed the installation of Qatar's first Reality Center, for Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd. The immersive Reality Center will be used for a range of seismic interpretations to deliver quality data to Occidental's engineers and geoscientists to enable the development of accurate simulations. SEOS was commissioned to supply SGI with the display system icorporating two channels of active stereo 3 chip DLP projection, providing a fully immersive image over the screen. The system also includes SEOS's OptiBlend edge blending as well as full media switching capability through a combination of matrix switch and control system capabilities. A single pipe SGI Onyx 3200 and multiple additional image sources will power the system.
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231.02 Glasgow Science Centre Selects amiraVR
The Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) in
Scotland has selected TGS' amiraVR visualization software to present and
interact with the 3D scenes of its new scientific shows. In Germany, Carl
Zeiss Jena, makers of optical equipment and planetariums, now turn their
laser projection dome into an interactive science theater running amiraVR
on a SGI Onyx computer. GSC's new Reality Center is equipped with a
panoramic 3D projection screen driven by a 3-pipe SGI Onyx graphics
supercomputer. GSC uses amiraVR to navigate and manipulate the virtual 3D
scene interactively during the show, as well as to create scripts that
control automatically the demonstration. GSC has selected several
scientific content programs developed by amira users covering a wide range
of topics, from the interactive exploration of the human body, discovering
the complex structure of the cortex capillaries and the reconstruction of
a skull from CT scan data, to the diving into a fruit fly brain,
originally half a millimetre big zoomed to ten meters. GSC is planning to
produce further science shows in cooperation with regional and
international research institutions. Built by Zeiss, the ADLIP laser
projection system can cover, with six or more laser projectors, a
hemisphere of up to 24 meters in diameter with a seamless digital image.
www.eovia.com
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231.03 I-DOME at Science Museum of Valladolid
For R.S.A.Cosmos, in charge of the total graphical concept of the new planetarium of the Science Museum of Valladolid, the Barco "I-DOME" was chosen as the solution for graphical planetariums including manual or automatic real time astronomic simulation and full dome video projection. The proprietary developed high-resolution projectors of the Barco "I-DOME" are located in the perimeter of the dome. They feature extra digital electronics and real time penta semu software incorporating the blending and predistortion necessary to make multi-channel data result in one single huge hemispherical image. For accurate alignment of all projected images and simplified maintenance, a laser array alignment unit is placed immediately underneath each projector. The lasers project reference points on the dome, allowing for accurate adjustment and easy realignment of the projection system when necessary. After the official inauguration of the Science Center by the president of the Spanish Government and the Mayor of Valladolid end of March, the planetarium will open for the public end of July.
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231.04 DLP Video Projectors at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
SEOS has installed the world's first Digital Planetarium using DLP video projectors at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The Gates Planetarium will seat 125 people and is part of a $50m project called Space Odyssey. The digital planetarium uses an in-house developed, real-time simulation of the cosmos called the Cosmic Atlas. This scientifically accurate simulation is based entirely on real space science data. SEOS's OptiBlend and Mercator II are used in conjunction with SEOS enhanced DLP projectors. SEOS engineered and implemented specific modifications to the projection systems to achieve the first DLP projected V-Dome in the world. The 5,000 lumen projectors used in conjunction with a custom-designed dome coating have increased the system contrast. www.seos.com
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231.05 Students Immersed at Sci-Quest Theatre
Addressing students from fourth grade to college level, the Sci-Quest theatre in Huntsville, Alabama features fully immersive, stereoscopic viewing on a 26.6x12-foot screen, supported with 6.2 surround sound in a 56-seat stadium-like, interactive 3D environment. Barco designed, delivered, and installed the state-of-the-art turnkey stereoscopic projection system including four passive stereo-optimized, edge-blended and color-matched BarcoReality SIM6 projectors to provide a seamless image. In addition, Barco provided and integrated the non-depolarizing 3D projection screen, the audio system including microphones and speakers, the switching system, cabling, and the automation and control system for the display.
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231.06 Onyx4 UltimateVision Purchased by LANL
The US Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has purchased a Silicon Graphics Onyx4 UltimateVision to help ensure the continued safety, reliability and performance of America's nuclear stockpile without underground testing. The 80-processor, 34-pipe Onyx4 UltimateVision system is scheduled for installation this quarter and subject to acceptance criteria. Scientists at LANL will use the system as part of the Department of Energy's Stockpile Stewardship Program, a key component of which is the Advanced Simulation and Computing Initiative (ASCI), designed to accelerate the development of the computational power DOE scientists and engineers to meet the demanding visualization needs of virtual testing. "Researchers at Los Alamos are confronted with enormous data sets. The scalability and throughput of Onyx4 provides new technology to visualize those data sets, and can rapidly deliver granular-level results," said Bob Tomlinson, simulation support manager, LANL ASCI Program.
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231.07 Boeing Selects Software
The Boeing Company has selected EON Reality Inc to develop web-based support curriculums for their new products. EON is working with Fisher/Unitech, a reseller of CAD/CAM/CAE/CAID software.
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231.08 Studio Ghibli Installs Digital Timing and Preview System
IMAGICA Corp has installed its Galette Scope digital timing and preview system at Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio of feature-length animated films. Galette Scope is a PC based digital timing and preview system, equipped with Galette color management technology, which enables pre-visualization of the print film color on a DLP projector. It is a subset of the Galette Station; Galette Scope includes scene by scene color correction. Studio Ghibli will review their sequences by digitally projecting in high quality HD RGB10 bit 24P. Galette Scope will be used for checking specific clips repeatedly, and also for previewing the edited sequences as well.
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231.09 Interested in Historical VR?
George Miles of 3d interactive visualisations writes: "If you're interested in historical Virtual Reality, pre CRT monitors and pre digital age... an i3d simulation of a driving simulator from the 1940's, with visual feedback... http://www.invue3d.com/simulator/
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231.10 Ex-Superscape User or Developer?
Richard Hill and Paul Grimster write to tell us that there is a group of developers still committed to and available for the development of VR environments using VRT and related technologies. There are several business development activities currently ongoing, and aimed at securing training or development work with previous Superscape clients, who have been left unsupported following the company's change of strategy to focus on the wireless sector. They would like to hear from any ex-VRT developers and/or members of the Superscape User Group who would be interested in this type of work, or from those of you who may require assistance with existing VRT-related products that may require support or further development.
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231.11 UltimateVision: One-Fifth the Price
SGI has unveiled Onyx4 UltimateVision, the fourth generation of its most successful visualization system, which starts at $45,000-one-fifth the price of previous Onyx systems. At this level of affordability, the new Onyx4 UltimateVision system brings highly-advanced visual computing within the reach of individuals and small design and engineering teams. Formerly, this level of graphics capability was affordable for only the most elite users. The Onyx4 UltimateVision delivers a system architecture that, in a single system configuration, scales from two to 32 graphics processors, or pipelines-more than twice the scalability over previous Onyx systems.
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231.12 New Systems by Fakespace
Fakespace Systems has two new interactive, visualization systems, expanding its portfolio of solutions for commercial, government and education applications. The dStation (Decision Station) is a movable modular system for collaborative work, offering high-resolution monoscopic images with integrated audio, video and multi-windowing capabilities. The ROVR (Rapidly Operational Virtual Reality) is a large screen, digital active-stereo system that sets up in fifteen minutes and delivers bright, sharp imagery for use in field research, work reviews, special events or trade shows.
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231.13 VR Compliant Line of Systems
VIZTEK Inc has announced the launch of the VR Compliant line of systems. The VR Compliant can be launched as a multi-wall environment, using passive or active stereoscopic visualization, in room configurations from three to 6 walls, or as curved displays (cylindrical, toroidal, and spherical), the walls can be set at different angles, or can be independently shown each as one screen. Tiled large screen displays can also be assembled for a large audience of up to 16 screens. http://www.viz-tek.com/VR-Compliant.htm
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231.14 SpaceTraveler from 3Dconnexion
3Dconnexion, a Logitech company, has released SpaceTraveler, portable device that joins their line of SpaceBall, SpaceMouse, CadMan and SpaceNavigator controllers. The SpaceTraveler's ultra compact design is one tenth the size and one third the weight of a standard motion controller, making it the ideal companion for a notebook workstation and well suited for environments where small size is a requirement. A matching, portable Logitech mouse is bundled, offering a complete solution for a powerful two-handed work style.
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231.15 WorldToolKit Release 10
Sense8 has released WorldToolKit Release 10. This is Sense8's first major product release since being spun-off from EDS and purchased by Brieder, Moore & Co. last year. WorldToolKit Release 10 enhancements include: High-Quality Rendering Effects, Keyframe Animation Integration, Plug-in Development Flexibility, 3ds Max Plug-in and Improved Device Support.
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231.16 Carrara Studio 3
Eovia Corporation has announced Carrara Studio 3, a 3D solution for the Web, print and video. Carrara Studio 3 offers a solution for 3D modeling, animation and rendering. Priced at $399, Carrara Studio 3 is aimed at creative professionals, educators, students and serious hobbyists. Carrara Studio 3 introduces Eovia Impression, a non- photorealistic rendering engine, and Eovia Photon Reality 2.0, a global illumination renderer with HDRI support. New modeling tools have been added such as Dynamic Extrusion, a full feature UV editor, a bevel tool, the Eovia Tree Maker and more. Carrara Studio 3 includes user interface improvements and a Scene Wizard with hundred of pre-defined scenes and shaders.
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231.17 Support for FBX in Wings 3D
Kaydara Inc and Wings 3D have announced support for the FBX file interchange format in Wings 3D, an open-source sub-division modeller. The Kaydara FBX file format provides a pathway for the acquisition and exchange of 3D data between 3D content creation packages. Wings 3D and Kaydara stated that the new free FBX-Wings 3D plug-in will enable modellers and visual effects artists to access content through Kaydara's network of FBX partners. The FBX plug-in for Wings 3D is free and available now.
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231.18 Business People Library
ArchVision Inc has announced the availability of 3D RPC (Rich Photorealistic Content) Business People Volume 5. This library contains 16 life-like 3D people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds making them flexible enough to work in many environments. These fresh RPC individuals were captured in a variety of poses typically seen in business environments. All are wearing popular business attire with several holding accessories such as notebooks and attachés. This updated, must-have collection is perfect for design visualization professionals who want to make scenes look even more realistic by adding life-like entourage. RPC Business People Volume 5 is available at $219.
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231.19 ACUITIV v3.3
ACUITIV Software, the provider of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) visualization software, has announced the availability of ACUITIV v3.3. Utilizing VR Juggler and OpenGL libraries, ACUITIV v3.3 provides decimation, intuitive navigation, seamless integration with immersive environments, full 3D graphical capabilities, and CGNS reading. ACUITIV v3.3 is available August 1, 2003. Pricing starts at $6,900 for an annual license and $17,200 for a perpetual license. Both options include a 1-year maintenance agreement. Volume discounts will apply.
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231.20 Creator Terrain Studio v1.1
MultiGen-Paradigm Inc has announced Creator Terrain Studio v1.1 to deliver a set of 3D scene creation, geometry/texture creation tools and workflow management focused on the production of large-area real time 3D terrain databases. Creator Terrain Studio captures the workflow process and catalogs metadata based on MultiGen- Paradigm's MetaFlight schema. The company states this facilitates shorter development and production cycles and enables the reuse of data. New features in the release include an integrated 3D Viewer, polygon measurement tools that provide runtime metrics, OpenFlight verification tools, feature projection capabilities, additional support for MultiGen-Paradigm's Vega Prime and Vega runtime toolkits, and documentation enhancements. http://www.multigen-paradigm.com
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231.21 Kaldera from Mankua - 3ds max Plug-in
Turbo Squid has released Kaldera from Mankua as the latest offering in the Discreet Certified 3ds max Plug-in program. Kaldera lets users render full scene information into texture maps based on an object's appearance and relationship between itself and other objects in the scene. These texture maps are then "baked" into the object; that is, they become part of the object via mapping, and can be used to display the textured object rapidly on Direct3D devices such as graphics display cards or game engines. Kaldera has a suggested retail price $395, with an introductory price of $295 for a limited time. http://www.discreet.com/products/3dsmax/dcp, http://www.mankua.com/kaldera.cfm
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231.22 Anarchy Toolbox for After Effects
Digital Anarchy, a provider of special effects software for Adobe, Apple and Discreet products, has announced the availability of Anarchy Toolbox for After Effects. Anarchy Toolbox is a set of nine tools for creating a wide variety of sophisticated effects including creative blurs, beautiful glows, controlled distortions, seamlessly tiled images, warped graphics, and utilities. The Anarchy Toolbox is available now for an introductory price of $129. The plug-in set is compatible with Adobe After Effects 4.1 and higher. www.digitalanarchy.com
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231.23 3D-SPORT for Golf
Skill Technologies Inc has chosen Virtalis as the only UK distributor for their golf swing motion capture, measurement and analysis system. 3D-SPORT for Golf has been used by almost all of the top 30 players on the American Tour, including Mike Weir, current holder of the US Open title. Many experts see the system as the teaching system of the future for pros and amateurs alike. 3D SPORT links several technologies together in one package. Four electro magnetic sensors are placed on the body – on the forehead, between the shoulder blades, on the sacrum and on the hand or club. As the golfer swings, these sensors capture the movement in real-time. The swing can then be replayed in 3D on a computer monitor. The system provides instantaneous biomechanics feedback and compares the captured swing to an “ideal” model. The ideal swings have been created from a composite of the swings of top players. Graphs of displacement, velocities, angles and accelerations of the body are added to other vital facets of the swing, such as the kinematic sequence and the tempo and timing of the swing. These are compared with a database of ideal swings during the address, the top of the back swing, impact and the finish.
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231.24 Siemens Mobile & the ARM Swerve i3D Graphics Client
Siemens Information and Communications Mobile Group (Siemens Mobile) is licensing the ARM Swerve i3D Graphics Client, jointly developed by ARM and Superscape. Swerve i3D Graphics Client will be integrated into future Siemens' mobile phones for the delivery of 3D applications. The Swerve i3D Graphics Client will also include support for JSR 184, the global standard for 3D Java applications on mobile handsets, which is due to be ratified later this year.
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231.25 BOXX Technologies & Splutterfish
BOXX Technologies has entered into a strategic relationship with Splutterfish, a high-end 3D rendering software solutions provider. BOXX is now offering the Brazil Rendering System with its XXtreme 3DBOXX workstations and RenderBOXX render nodes. Designed for Microsoft Windows or Linux, 3DBOXX is available in single and dual AMD or Intel processor configurations. Enhanced with NVIDIA Quadro FX architecture, 3DBOXX workstations are optimized for modeling and rendering 3D content and animation with software such as 3ds max.
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231.26 Patents on Spatial 3D Technology
Actuality Systems has been granted key patents on its spatial 3D technology in both the US and Taiwan. The patents broadly describe a volumetric three-dimensional display system and specifically cover optics for Actuality's Perspecta Display. The patents teach the use of a novel rotating projection lens that ensures high-fidelity spatial 3D imagery which can be used for a variety of scientific applications. "The key to getting high image quality is making sure that each two-dimensional slice of the composite 3D image is in crisp focus," said Gregg Favalora, the company's founder and chief technical officer. "With this technology, we've achieved exceptional clarity by using an image projection system with a rotating lens. The design allows us to tightly fold the system's optical path, providing a spatial 3D visualization product that is compact enough to use on a desktop or in confined spaces. This particularly addresses the needs of users in medical and military applications."
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231.27 StereoGraphics SynthaGram Pricing in Germany
VRLOGIC, Germany’s distributor for professional products and solutions of virtual reality technologies has extended its introduction pricing for StereoGraphics SynthaGram 182 Glasses-Free 3D monitor. The Monitor has a resolution of 1280 x 1024, and is suited for wide-angle electronic 3D signage and exhibits in public spaces such as In-Store Retail Displays, Tradeshow Booths and Interactive Kiosks, Arcades, Museums, Gaming, Theme Parks, and Corporate Lobbies. All models include Graphics Card, SynthaGram Player, and Content Creation Toolkit.
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231.28 Competition for Virtalis in UK
VisionMax has become a UK reseller for n-Vis, InterSense, 5DT and i-glasses (providing competition to Virtalis).
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231.29 Buyers Fly to Ascension
Ascension Technology Corporation now flies qualified buyers to its headquarters in northern Vermont for onsite demonstrations of the active-optical ReActor 2 (R2) motion tracker. Ascension also welcomes prospective buyers to send their characters to Ascension ahead of time, so they can see their own characters in the demonstration of ReActor 2.
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231.30 Gaijin Entertainment to use LifeStudio:HEAD
Russian based game developer Gaijin Entertainment has chosen to use LifeMode's real-time facial animation technology solution ‘LifeStudio:HEAD’. LifeStudio:HEAD SDK is a software developer kit that allows 3D artists to create games, that combine automated lip-synch with nonlinear facial animation in real-time. VP of Marketing for LifeMode Interactive, Alan Gassanov claims: “People are tired of games that contain bland plastic faces with stony and lifeless looks. Human life simulation, human mimicry and reaction on game actions with lip-synch combination are becoming standard for next generation games”.
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231.31 Research Fellow Post: EQUATOR IRC
The Equator project is an Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration funded by the EPSRC. It is collaboration between 8 UK universities, carrying out research on the boundary of virtual and physical worlds. Research at UCL focuses on computer graphics and VR. Further details of the project can be found at http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/research/equator/. Our main research goal is to understand what makes VR effective. In this post, the focus will be on how to design and evaluate effective simulations of urban spaces, with applications in phobia treatment. The appointment will be on the RA1A pay scale. The appointment is up to point 11 (£25,451 pa plus £2,134 LA pa). Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent research experience in computer graphics and/or virtual reality. Further information regarding these posts can be found at www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies.
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231.32 Research Engineer in Computer Graphics
We are offering a postgraduate research studentship to work on applications of computer graphics in multimedia and telecommunications. This is collaboration between British Telecom's, Radical Multimedia Lab and the Computer Graphics and Virtual Environment (CGVE) Group, Department of Computer Science, University College London. We are interested in projects in the areas of design and evaluation of avatar animation, tele-collaboration through immersive and non-immersive virtual environments, design and implementation of mixed-reality and augmented reality systems, and mobile graphics. Research engineers will have supervisors in the CGVE group at UCL and an industrial supervisor at British Telecom. After the first year taught programme, they will spend most of their time working in the UCL@Adastral Park facility. Research Engineers should have, or expect to gain, a good honours degree (first/upper second, or a lower second with appropriate post-graduate training or industrial experience). Knowledge of graphics programming is essential. Candidates must establish a relevant connection with the UK to meet EPSRC's eligibility criteria for funding of an award. Successful applicants will receive a tax-free stipend of at least £12,000 per annum. For more details of the research projects being offered, please contact Dr Anthony Steed at A.Steed@cs.ucl.ac.uk or Daniel Ballin at daniel.ballin@bt.com http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/engd
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231.33 Bob Jacobson
Dr Bob Jacobson has left ModViz and is investigating opportunities in utility computing and grid computing visualization (“grid viz”) from his base in San Mateo, California.
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231.34 People: E&S
E Thomas Atchison has been chosen as corporate secretary and chief of finance of Evans & Sutherland Corp. He succeeds William M Thomas, who has left the company. Mr Thomas, who joined E&S in August 2000, had been chief of finance since January 2001. Mr. Atchison's prior position was vice president, manufacturing service and support, a position he filled in October 2001.
In July 2003 Strong Capital Management increased its stake in E&S to 10.3%. In December 2002, Strong Capital reported an 8.7% stake in E&S.
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231.35 People: Oregon3D
Anne A Chen has joined Oregon3D Inc as vice president of business development and chief financial officer. In her new position, Chen will focus on building the brand and revenues for Oregon3D's training center and visualization services. Prior to joining Oregon3D, Chen spent more than 10 years in management positions at various divisions of the Sony Corporation including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and most recently, Playstation.com (America) Inc.
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231.36 People: Superscape (& ARM)
Mike Inglis has been appointed as a non-executive director of Superscape Group plc. Mr Inglis has been Executive VP Marketing at ARM Holdings plc since August 2002. Before joining ARM, he led the UK Communications and High Technology team at A.T. Kearney management consultants. He has also held senior operational, sales and marketing posts at Motorola and Texas Instruments. Mike Inglis joins Pete Magowan, a former colleague from ARM, who was appointed as a non-executive director to the Board of Superscape Group plc in August 2002.
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231.37 Calendar: International Conference on Virtual Storytelling
Dr Olivier Balet, Research & Development Manager of the Virtual Reality Department, CS-SI in Toulouse, France brings to our attention the International Conference on Virtual Storytelling (“Using Virtual Reality Technologies for Storytelling”) being held in Toulouse on November 20 and 21.
www.virtualstorytelling.com
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231.38 Calendar: Computer Animation and Social Agents 2004 Conference
The Computer Graphics Society has announced the Computer Animation and Social Agents 2004 Conference. MIRALab will organize this 17th annual conference on Computer Animation and Social Agents with the support of IFIP WG5.10 (Computer Graphics and Virtual Worlds). The Conference will be held in University of Geneva, Switzerland, May 26-27-28, 2004. Paper Submission Deadline is October 20, 2003.
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231.39 Looking forward to Siggraph
2003 is a critical year for Siggraph. From 1998 to 2001 (we don't have figures for 2002 in San Antonio, Texas), paid for technical attendance fell from 8,306 to 7,671. In the same period paid for exhibit space fell from 175,328 to 148,879 square feet. Total income is in excess of $10m of which more than half comes from exhibitors.
We'd like to know what VREfresh readers think - and how they see the future of Siggraph. We know the venue for 2004 has already been switched from Atlanta to Los Angeles, but what other changes and improvements will the organizers need to introduce to retail their loyal (including VREfresh) following?
Siggraph: an Industry Barometer
Economic times are tough. This is reflected in the "State of the Siggraph Conference" page attributed to Alyn Rockwood and Scott Owen, who say: "As everyone in the technical community knows, we have been in a severe recession for the past two years. Both attendance and exhibition space at technical trade shows and conferences have decreased drastically. Many shows have been cancelled. For example, the largest U.S. computer show, Comdex in Las Vegas, has dropped by an estimated 75% in exhibit space in two years. Many of the peripheral Comdex shows have been cancelled. Comdex/Networld-Interop in Atlanta, which attracted 50,000 people two years ago and about 25,000 this year, has been cancelled for next year. Similarly, Comdex Chicago has gone from 75,000 two years ago to cancelled for next year. Attendance at other ACM conferences has also been down by about 30%. In summary, it is a very difficult time for technical conferences and trade shows." At S2001, held in Los Angeles, attendance was less than expected at 34,000. S2001 made a small profit, but after the mandated transfers to ACM and to ACM SIGGRAPH, there was a net loss. For S2002 both attendance (17,000) and exhibits were much lower than expected, so S2002 had a substantial loss even before the mandated transfers."
For the first time in a long time, SGI doesn't have a booth at SIGGRAPH 2003, but their new systems will be on show at their subsidiary, Alias|Wavefront as well as at Barco, LSI and TGS (where Fakespace will also be found). SGI is also behind the "OpenGL Birds of a Feather" and "Friends of Performer (FOP)," sessions in addition to a number of talks, classes and workshops.
It has been a curious year for Alias|Wavefront, a year that included an Oscar and an "aggressive re-pricing strategy." Also in the past 12 months, Alias|Wavefront has added new Maya customers including Lionhead in the United Kingdom, Sparx in France, and InterPlay and Pixel Magic in the United States. 65 percent of Maya software licenses currently being sold are going to users who already own other 3D packages. 25 percent are being sold to existing customers and 10 percent are new entrants to the 3D market. Maya is the first 3D software package to be bestowed with an Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Ascension Technology Corporation is offering special pricing on MotionStar Wireless motion tracking packages to be available during SIGGRAPH 2003. Savings of almost $10,000 for a single performer and higher for multi-performer systems are available. The specially-priced packages includes 13 sensors, two Extended Range Transmitters, a sensor mounting kit for quick attachment of sensors to performers, and the use of an Ascension Environmental Analyzer Took Kit at no charge. Packages are priced according to the number of performers with systems configured for one to five performers. Ascension is offering free shipping within the United States and free installation anywhere in North America. Reduced rates for international installations will also be available during the limited time the show special is in effect.
The VR Juggler Team at Iowa State University will be hosting a Birds of a Feather open discussion. Developers, users, and anyone interested in learning about VR Juggler and the tools that it provides are welcome to attend. They will also be demonstrating and briefly discussing some new features and applications that have been developed over the last year. Some of the new features are: VR Juggler for OS X and Sony PS/2; VR Juggler and VNC for complex interactions; new configuration wizards and more.
3rdTech is using its DeltaSphere 3000 scanner to create a virtual room. The technology behind the DeltaSphere 3000, which captures large-scale environments and turns them into accurate digital recreations, hinges on speed. The portable 3D, panoramic scanner can complete scenes in as little as 10-30 minutes.
TGS will be announcing the release of new versions of both Open Inventor and amira, a visualization application, as well as demonstrating their cross-platform/cross-display capabilities.
AJA Video Systems: Io, uncompressed audio/video FireWire capture device for Final Cut Pro 4. Io is a high-end, 8 or 10-bit broadcast video device that allows users to connect professional analog or digital audio/video to an Apple PowerBook G4, Power Mac G4 or the new Power Mac G5 through a simple FireWire interface.
Headquartered in Paris, France, Virtools is offering a real-time 3D Integrated Development Environment with an authoring toolset and GUI, along with a rendering engine. Virtools development solutions have been used by EDF, Matsushita, the US Department of Energy, EADS, Renault, L'Oréal, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Intel, Microïds, Dreamcatcher, Warner Bros Online, France Telecom, ZKM and others. At Siggraph, Virtools will be previewing functionalities of Virtools Dev 3.0, the new release of its development platform, which includes Vertex and Pixel Shaders, as well as the integration of NxN's Alienbrain asset management software.
InterSense will show their latest precision motion tracking advances with the IS-900, InertiaCube and wireless tracking technology and will demonstrate wireless IS-900 systems with partners at the TGS Booth (Fakespace PowerWall Pro), Iowa State (Portable Immersive Displays) and the SIGGRAPH Studio (Fakespace/University of Alaska).
Digital Element has a new product, Verdant, which is a Photoshop plugin for placing 3D plants and trees in environments with shadows. The company has also released Aurora 2, a Photoshop plugin for 3D skies, water, clouds and more.
Discreet will sponsor and teach 3ds max and combustion advanced training sessions in partnership with Oregon 3D during SIGGRAPH 2003. The Discreet Advanced Training classes will help customers with game development, motion picture visual effects and design visualization. Artist Gary M. Davis will instruct courses on Discreet combustion software, as it is used for desktop visual effects, paint, color correction and compositing with integrated workflow for 3ds max.
Digital ArtForms will debut its new modeling tool, InDex, an immersive modeling system, tracks the user's hands rather than using a mouse and keyboard, allowing designers to reach into space to shape their objects and position themselves in their 3D scenes.
REALVIZ: impending release of version 3.0 of their automatic tracking software MatchMover Professional.
Responding to demand for complete reverse engineering and digitizing consulting services and solutions sales in the 3D CAD/CAM industries, B3-D MCAD Consulting and Sales opened an office in Toronto, Canada. This office will serve as a sales, service and support center for B3-D's products and services.
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231.00 About VREfresh
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