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Fakespace Expands Its Virtual Model Display Product Family With New Versatile, Transportable System Mini WorkBench™ Immersive Display Delivers Bright, Sharp Three-Dimensional Images, Supports Direct Input Option Mountain View, CA – January 18, 1999 – Today at the Silicon Graphics Oil and Gas Visualization Summit in Galveston, Texas, Fakespace, Inc. unveiled the newest addition to its family of immersive visualization display systems. The Mini WorkBench™ is a versatile, transportable Virtual Model Display (VMD) that enables stereoscopic viewing and manipulation of dimensionally accurate, three-dimensional (3D) visualizations. It can also be configured with an on-screen digitizing tablet to support real-time, direct input design in a two-dimensional (2D) viewing mode. Like other Fakespace VMDs, the Mini WorkBench is an adjustable, drafting table-style rear-projected display system that enables real-time viewing and manipulation of computer-generated models, which appear to have a real presence in space when viewed through stereoscopic shutter glasses. The Mini WorkBench provides a large, crisp display, measuring 44 inches diagonally, to view product designs, scientific visualizations and other complex 3D images. It is the first Virtual Model Display with a footprint suitable for use within a typical office environment, and it is designed to fold down for easy movement within a facility, shipment to exhibitions, and storage. "Our years of working with immersive visualization systems have uncovered a tremendous range of end-user requirements," said Jim Angelillo, president of Fakespace, Inc. "We’ve expanded the Fakespace family of VMDs in order to better meet all of the needs of our broadening customer base, including exploration geophysicists, scientific researchers and product designers, all of whom are looking for ways to leverage the value of their data through stereoscopic viewing and hands-on interactivity." Fakespace will market the Mini WorkBench in three different configurations. The most versatile system supports stereoscopic viewing and hands-on interaction with 3D models, as well as direct 2D design input using an on-display digitizing tablet and direct input pen. Additional models include a system dedicated to 3D stereoscopic viewing only, and a direct-input 2D only system. Both of the 3D capable models are equipped with Electrohome Marquee 8500 CRT projectors generating 225 ANSI Lumens and supporting 1280 X 1024 pixel resolution. The dedicated 2D system uses LCD projection technology and also achieves a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. "The latest addition to the Fakespace family of virtual model displays adds exciting new hands-on design capability and broadens the potential applications base for high-resolution immersive display technology," said Linda Jacobson, virtual reality evangelist and RealityCenter product marketing manager at Silicon Graphics, Inc. "Silicon Graphics is committed to facilitating the creation and use of practical immersive visualization applications in a broad range of industries, and Fakespace is contributing to this by producing integrated display systems that bring data to life." The self-contained Mini WorkBench has a footprint of approximately four-ft. by five-ft., with a large 44-in. diagonal visualization screen that is adjustable from nearly horizontal to 60 degrees, allowing users to sit or stand while viewing and manipulating visualizations. The system is wheel-mounted and can be folded to occupy a space of approximately 2-1/2-ft. wide by 4-ft. long and 5-ft. high for storage or easy movement to different work locations. The Mini WorkBench can be used to display visual simulations and design data generated by a broad range of computer workstations and visualization platforms running both Unix or Windows NT operating systems and applications. The CRT-based Mini WorkBench for stereo visualization applications is priced at $56,995. When configured to also support 2D design input it sells for $68,995. For stereoscopic viewing, StereoGraphics CrystalEyes active shutter glasses are included. Optional peripherals include a variety of tracking and navigation devices and Fakespace PINCH™ gloves. The third Mini WorkBench model, which is based on LCD projection technology and supports 2D design input only, is priced at $64,995. For 2D direct input, it includes an RF-based, pressure sensitive cordless stylus with two programmable buttons. Fakespace, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading provider of interactive visualization solutions for automotive, manufacturing, military and aerospace, and scientific visualization applications. In June 1998, Fakespace received an equity investment from Electrohome, Ltd., (TSE: ELL.X, ELL.Y), a leading manufacturer and marketer of large screen video/data/graphics projection systems, located in Kitchener, Ontario. In addition to the Mini WorkBench, the company’s virtual model display product family includes the VersaBench™ and the Immersive WorkBench™. Fakespace immersive binocular displays include the BOOM®, the BOOM HF (formerly the FS2™) and the PUSH™ 640 and PUSH 1280 Desktop Displays. Other products include PINCH Glove hand gesture interface systems, hardware and software for integrating applications into 3D visualization systems, and consulting services for applications development. More information is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.fakespace.com. A photograph of the Mini WorkBench is available on request.
### About Mechdyne Corporation Mechdyne Corporation is the world’s largest company dedicated to consulting and development of immersive, networked and collaborative visualization systems. The company addresses complex projects where an in-depth understanding of user requirements leads to the development of products and customized solutions involving elements of visual, software and support systems. Mechdyne’s product divisions provide advanced display technology, audio/visual systems design, and implementation services, as well as immersive and interactive software development and support. Headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa, Mechdyne’s customers include leading government laboratories, military research programs, energy companies and a variety of ‘edutainment,’ manufacturing, and other users of visualization technology. More information is available at www.mechdyne.com. Mechdyne Press Contact Jeff Brum Matt Schmidt |
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