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Fakespace Systems Unveils New Format Visualization System For Enterprise-Wide Deployment New conCAVE™ Display Provides Immersive Viewing For Interpretation Of Complex Graphical Data In Low Cost, In-Office System Kitchener, ON - April 26, 2000 - Fakespace Systems Inc. today announced that it will manufacture and market the conCAVE™, a new office-scale collaborative visualization system that provides depth-enhanced perspectives to improve the interpretation of complex volumetric data. The new system, which is based on technology developed by Phillips Petroleum Company and licensed exclusively to Fakespace Systems, can be installed in a 10-ft. x 12-ft. office and is more affordable than large-scale theater type displays, bringing the benefits of visualization to researchers and engineers enterprise-wide. The conCAVE display system, which was shown at last week's annual meeting of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in New Orleans, comprises a uniquely designed screen (for which a patent application is now pending) with a 50 sq. ft. viewing area and a single high-resolution color projector. When used with 3D perspective view software, images projected on the smoothly curved surface appear to have real depth in space without the need for special stereoscopic glasses. Fakespace Systems also announced that Phillips Petroleum's exploration department, which uses the display technology to view and interpret geophysical data, plans to purchase and deploy multiple, final production units for offices and for asset team meeting rooms. Other potential markets for the new system include medical research, including review and interpretation of medical scans and organizations visualizing volumetric data sets. "We developed the conCAVE 3D screen and Seismitarium interpretation software to directly address immersive and collaborative visualization by Geoscientists throughout our worldwide organization," said Dennis Neff, Senior Researcher with Phillips Petroleum Company. "Fakespace was our first choice for the commercialization of this technology, and we are very pleased to partner with them to bring this to the broader visualization market." The conCAVE incorporates the four major visualization screen types used today. The dome-shaped top affords overhead views. The curved theater-type mid-section provides views of conventional planar cross sections with up to 25 feet of viewing surface. The flat bottom provides a ‘floor' view, even when seated, which is normally obtained only in full-scale immersive room environments. A flat, pull-down screen is mounted in front of the display for standard projected images such as maps, cross sections, spreadsheets and presentations. The conCAVE system is designed to fit through a standard door for easy relocation if required. For true 3D immersive views, the conCAVE display utilizes proprietary Seismitarium software, also developed by Phillips. The Seismitarium API (Application Programming Interface) maps seismic data to the volume and shape of the conCAVE, creating the impression of ‘standing in the mineshaft' with spatially correct positioning of data above, below and to each side of the viewer. Even without the API software, the conCAVE's curved screen enhances the depth cues which exist in most 3D imagery. Images that would appear flat on a standard monitor actually appear to have depth and ‘float in space' in the conCAVE screen area. Because stereoscopic glasses and head-tracking are not required, it is easy for multiple users to share the same view and comfortably collaborate using the conCAVE. "The conCAVE system enables collaborative visualization to be more widely available throughout an enterprise," said Jim Angelillo, vice president of strategic relations at Fakespace Systems Inc. "We're very pleased to work with Phillips Petroleum to offer a lower cost, in-office solution for organizations that need to interpret vast quantities of volumetric data." The conCAVE display system, including a 72-in. wide screen, a 1280 x 1024 pixel high-brightness projector, pull-down flat screen, and Seismitarium API software is tentatively priced at $45,000. It will be available in summer 2000. ™ and ® -- ImmersaDesk and CAVE are registered trademarks of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. WorkWall is a trademark of Mechdyne Corporation. All other trade names or marks are the property of their respective owners. ### 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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