Universal 3D format gaining momentum

I read an interesting article just now that says that Adobe Acrobat will be supporting the Universal 3D format (U3D). It seems like an interesting format but will it we just another VRML and never really get past the quality phase or will it become the next DXF format which many people hate because it has to much data or doesn't support all things.

I supose that U3D will be a good format for distributing files but I am worried that it will have to many draw backs. i do alot of work in Nurbs and the minute you convert something to a Poly it is nearly impossibly to modify it later. Will U3D give us teh flexibilty to easily modify our geometry. That will be the key to having a successful format.

They say that is due to be released the end of this year so we will see.

If you want to read the article you can find it here: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20041115005791&newsLang=en

Interactive 3D projection system revealed

Star Trek's holodeck seems one step closer to reality with the announcement from 3Dsolar of a new interactive desktop 3D imaging solution.

Compatible with both Macs and PCs, the 3Dsolar device is described as "holographic-like", projecting a 3D image into the air without requiring the use of glasses.

The images themselves are created using a 2D view, and users interact with the virtual images directly with their hands, just as they would with a real-world object. Users click icons for manipulation.

The company claims that a prototype of its invention has already been shown to industry experts and engineers.

In small-scale production, the device costs about $5,000 (around £2,800), but 3Dsolar expects that if large-scale production commences the price of such devices could drop to $1,500 (£840) -- still out of the reach of most consumers, but a plausible purchase for sales displays -- a market specifically noted by the technology's inventor, Patrick Levy Rosenthal.

"Imagine a 3Dsolar screen displaying selected store products 8 inches away from the actual retail store window and offering the passer-by the possibility to interact with the virtual objects," said Levy Rosenthal in a recent statement.

3Dsolar will show off the device at this week's Innovact conference in Reims, France and on October 25 at Nvidia in Santa California.

Check out there website at http://www.3dsolar.com

BMW to Use Virtual reality in there 1 Series launch

Looks like BMW has partnered with Sony Playstation to release a Virtual Drive Simulator for the release of there 1 Series next year. Seems like they are going to use the Gran Turismo Game as an interface for the application.

Would be nice to see them use some more immersive enviroments instead of just a video game interface but this is a step towards bring Virtual Reality to the sales and marketing industry.

Read the full article here: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/06/1096949588239.html?oneclick=true

Use of Virtual Reality for the Fear of Flying

University of Washington and New York hospital are utilizing Virtual Reality for helping people conquer the fear of flying. I have always thought that with the improvements in computer technology and the ability to create more realistic environments in real time that VR is becoming a better treatment for phobias.

Here is the article on what University of Washington is doing.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/3843087/detail.html

My Background In Virtual Reality

A little background on me. I have beenworking in the Virtual Reality Industry for 10 years now and have work extensively in the field of Display system. During my college years at Virginia Tech I got very involved in Virtual Reality and how it can improve the Architectural Practice.

While doing my Thesis I got involved with doing work in CAVE's. The CAVE is a 3D display system which allows multipy users to be immersed within a 10 x 10 room. After finishing my thesis I started working for a start up virtual reality company, that was funded by Prosolvia. Well after Prosolvia went bankrupt my company was brought back into the University where we became researchers for the CAVE system.

This was about the time when I Dot Coms were taking off so I was ofered a position with a startup virtual reality company that was going to do 3D on the web. Well, we did major work for Office Depot and produced over 2,000 pieces of furniture online for them. We then landed a contract with American Suzuki where we produced a 3D Configurator Kiosk that is currently ebing launched in all of there dealerships in North America.

Well, with the success of Office Depot and Suzuki our company was purchased by EON Reality the company that we used to create all of our 3D objects in Real-time. I currently am still working for EON Reality where we create interactive 3D objects and sell a wide variety of display systems.

This blog was created to discuss some of the current technologies that I have been able to work with and new technologies that are available out there. Feel free to post your comments and articles that you find on the net.