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Mechdyne Builds Reconfigurable Virtual Environment for ISU MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa - May 13, 2002 - Mechdyne Corporation, of Marshalltown, Iowa, has built a new reconfigurable visualization system for Iowa State University's Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC). A unique design developed and marketed by Mechdyne as an MD Flex™, the system can be quickly and easily reconfigured as a 36' x 10' flat display, an angled theater, or a 12' x 12' walk-in room. Named the C4, the system is replacing VRAC's C2 facility, built by Mechdyne in 1996. Upgraded features of the C4 include updated projection technology and larger projection surfaces. "To begin with, C4 is a new and improved C2 with better, brighter projectors," said Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, VRAC associate director and associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering at ISU. "But in a matter of minutes, we can reconfigure it into one of the largest 3D projection screens in the world. That greatly expands the types of applications we can run on it." VRAC is also home to the C6, North America's first six-sided visualization environment, which was also built by Mechdyne in 1999. A visualization auditorium in the same building, engineered by Mechdyne in 2000, can display 3D images from either facility to an audience of 250. "Put them all together, and we now have the ideal environment in which to research collaboration over long distances using virtual reality," said Cruz- Neira. Driven by an SGI® Onyx2® computer, the C4 utilizes three rear-projected vertical screens and a floor projection surface. A folded optics system reflects the projected images between a series of mirrors before they reach the screens in order to minimize system footprint. A magnetic tracking system monitors the user's position within the system and maintains the correct imagery for the user's point of view, and a surroundsound audio system enhances the three-dimensional effect of the virtual environment. "The C4 is an incredibly versatile, high-performance visualization system," said Chris Clover, Mechdyne's President and CEO. "As a high-impact immersion room for small groups and a theater-like display for large groups, including collaborative links to the C6 and Howe Hall Auditorium, the C4 will lend itself to an extraordinary variety of applications." ### 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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