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Mechdyne Delivers World's First Commercially Available, Re-configurable Large-Scale Virtual Reality Environment PLANO, TX – August 11, 1999 - Mechdyne Corporation, of Marshalltown, Iowa, announced today that it has installed the first commercially available reconfigurable large-scale virtual reality (LSVR) environment in the world. Designed and constructed for Atlantic Richfield Co., this cutting-edge system allows researchers to graphically view geological data and information from potential energy reserves in either a four-sided immersive visualization environment or on a large-screen, three-panel theater presentation. Mechdyne’s MD Flex™ essentially provides ARCO with two virtual reality tools in one system. In its four-sided configuration, the system comfortably accommodates as many as five researchers as they analyze data and collaborate on ideas and strategies. When the need arises to share this information with a larger audience of 20 to 30 people, the MD Flex can be quickly reconfigured into a three-screen theater format. "No other system on the market offers this kind of flexibility with such ease. Two people can easily convert MD Flex from the four-sided configuration to large-screen theater in about 15 minutes," said James Gruening, senior project manager with Mechdyne. The Flex system features many of the advancements made by Mechdyne in virtual reality technology. For example, the screens used in MD Flex have nearly seamless corners, which promote a consistent projection surface and allow for less expensive maintenance. It also uses DuraFloor™, which provides a durable, low-maintenance, laminate surface that improves the image quality of the floor and better matches the images projected on the system’s vertical walls. "For ARCO, immersive visualization is changing the way we approach exploration and the development of hydrocarbon resources," said Geoffrey Dorn, director of visualization technology. "The Flex represents a profound improvement in immersive visualization system designs. By using this tool, we can see geological and seismic data in a graphical three-dimensional presentation that not only increases the amount of information we can consider, but allows us to integrate our key disciplines and achieve a much higher level of accuracy and productivity in oil exploration." LSVR environments, such as MD Flex, key on the human brain’s natural preference toward visual learning. Rather than sifting through reams of paper or trying to view three-dimensional information on a computer screen, Mechdyne’s LSVR system’s visualization of the earth’s crust allows explorationists to explore drilling targets while viewing data from all angles. In the process, researchers and planners can revise well paths as necessary to avoid problematic drilling locations and drilling hazards. "Traditionally, oil and gas explorationists have only been able to visualize about 5 percent of the terabytes of information they collect. In the Mechdyne immersive environment, approximately 80 percent of the information can be analyzed in the same amount of time," Gruening explained. "By seeing information in a virtual environment, companies, such as ARCO, can reduce significantly the odds of drilling a dry hole or experiencing problems during the drilling process." Dorn added that the Flex system offers ARCO significant cost-savings. "Our new reconfigurable system from Mechdyne allowed us to buy one system rather than two," Dorn added. "Often we want to share information or view results with several people and the four-sided immersive VR environment is most effective for groups of five people or less. For project reviews with larger groups, we can convert the cube to a theater presentation while still maintaining visual integrity and quality." Mechdyne’s MD Flex and other LSVR solutions have broad applications beyond the oil and gas industry. The company has built systems for a leading automobile manufacturer, the United States Naval Research Lab, Mississippi State University, Iowa State University, Rockwell Collins and many others. Mechdyne is working on immersive visualization and simulation solutions for clients in medicine and architecture as well. Mechdyne Corporation is a leader in delivering the power of large-scale virtual reality solutions to businesses, universities, and governmental agencies. Mechdyne holds a unique position in this emerging industry in that it integrates the expertise of a number disciplines and serves as a turnkey provider in designing, building, installing and servicing LSVR systems. The company has driven a number of advancements in the technology used in virtual reality systems and has systems operating in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. ### 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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(c) 2008 Mechdyne Corporation. All rights reserved. |
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