Stereoscopy.com's Classified Ads Section now open!
3D-News Posted: Friday, June 15, 2001 (6:31 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Stereoscopy.com is now offering a Classified Ads Section where users can buy and sell new or used 3D-equipment. While the service is free of charge for private users, commercial users are being charged $10 per ad per 180 day display period. We think that this service will make Stereoscopy.com even more valuable to the international 3D-community. Please go to http://www.stereoscopy.com/ads to have a look.

	TDV Breaks Into the 3rd Dimension with 3D Video Game Viewing System; New 3D Gaming System Will Revolutionize the PC Game Industry
3D-News Posted: Friday, June 15, 2001 (6:26 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
TDV Technologies announced on May 14th the immediate availability of its new 3D stereoscopic PC viewing system for video games. Previously scheduled to be released in September 2001, the release of the system was accelerated due to the availability of nVidia's ground breaking new 3D Stereo graphics driver technology. Imagine yourself totally immersed in a 3D fantasy world like never before. Monsters, race cars, space ships, jet fighters and landscapes jump out of your monitor and into your imagination. You virtually enter the game. TDV has made this concept a reality bringing video game graphics to life in unsurpassed quality. The TDV gaming system works on a broad range of applications and is fully compatible with industry standard 3D graphics accelerators from nVidia including TNT, TNT2, Vanta, Quadro, Quadro2 family, Quadro DCC, GeForce, GeForce2, and GeForce3. What's more, the TDV gaming system works with most any Direct3D or OpenGL based game -- hundreds of the most popular games titles. All you need is the latest version of the nVidia unified driver (version 12.40+), the nVidia Windows 9x 3D Stereo Driver and your TDV viewing system. This latest nVidia driver release prompted TDV Technologies to pre-launch its TDV viewing system. The system is available in a variety of models starting at a special introductory price of $59.95 at http://www.i-glasses.com/tdv TDV is on track to launch the world's first 3D Stereoscopic Portal for education, entertainment, and e-commerce on September 1, 2001. The TDV Portal will be linked with e-commerce websites - powered by TDV Technologies featuring their products in stereoscopic 3D (TDV). TDV Technology Corp. TDV Technologies Corp. offers unique three-dimensional imaging and cost-effective web services. Its primary Internet site, TDV Center (http://www.TDVCenter.com) will be the Web's first destination for real three-dimensional e-Commerce, information, education and entertainment.

	Fakespace Systems Announces Sales of Immersive Display Systems for Energy Resource Exploration
3D-News Posted: Friday, June 15, 2001 (6:19 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Growing Sales to Oil & Gas Industry, Leading Universities, Marks Recognition Of Visualization's Value in Seismic Data Analysis, Subsurface Evaluation Fakespace Systems Inc. announced on June 13th four new contracts to provide immersive displays to organizations involved in energy resource exploration. The sales, to commercial oil and gas companies and leading universities, mark an increased acceptance of the value of visualization for seismic data analysis and subsurface evaluation. Fakespace Systems signed on to provide visualization systems to Phillips Petroleum, Petrobras, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the University of Oklahoma. These include a broad range of displays that are used by geologists, geophysicists, and engineers to promote collaboration and better understanding of complex data, ranging from fully-immersive room environments to depth-enhanced displays that fit in an average size conference room. "We are working very closely with energy and natural resource companies to develop visualization systems that improve the efficiency and productivity of exploration teams," said Jerry King, manager of commercial and channel markets at Fakespace Systems Inc. "Our commitment and interest in meeting the industry's requirements for quality systems and service is showing results, with world-wide sales." Sales Growth Around the World Since January 2001, Phillips Petroleum (NYSE: P) has taken delivery of five conCAVE(TM) displays from Fakespace Systems for use at its facilities in Bellaire, Texas, Stavanger and Tananger, Norway, and Anchorage, Alaska. The conCAVE, which enables multidisciplinary teams to work with spatially correct, "standing in the tunnel" visualizations, was originally developed by Phillips and is exclusively licensed to Fakespace Systems. The company was also contracted by Phillips to develop a volumetric mapping and interaction software API specifically for the conCAVE environment. The API, called Avignon, has been made available to selected oil/gas software developers for integration into their applications later this year. "We are pleased that Fakespace Systems is making Phillips' technical innovations commercially available," said Dennis Neff, senior principal research geophysicist at Phillips Petroleum Company. "The conCAVE systems are used daily by Phillips geoscientists, and new software developments by our visualization group continue to enhance and exploit the advantages of the conCAVE screen. We look forward to a continued strong relationship with Fakespace in commercializing and marketing Phillips' visualization innovations." The University of Oklahoma, which has strong research and educational programs in the earth sciences, has also purchased a conCAVE display and CubicMouse(TM) interaction device for its School of Geology and Geophysics. The conCAVE will be used for 3D seismic interpretation, 3D geologic and petrophysical modeling, and other applications in the earth sciences. Petrobras, (NYSE: PBR, PBRA; BOVESPA: PETR) headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also took delivery of a Fakespace Systems visualization system earlier this year. The company purchased an ImmersaDesk(R) R2 stereoscopic display driven by a Silicon Graphics(R) Onyx2(R) for use in the development of exploration technology that reduces risk and optimizes exploitation. This transportable system offers a four-ft. by five-ft. rear-projected screen that can be adjusted from horizontal to nearly vertical. A RAVE Display for NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a center for technological education and research located in Trondheim, Norway. One area of focus for research at the university is data visualization and numerical analysis for the localization and recovery of petroleum resources. The university boasts a digital laboratory with geodata and production data from the Gullfaks field in the North Sea, which is used for both teaching and research. Projects often include commercial partners such as Norsk Hydro, Statoil, Shell, TotalFinaElf, BP and Enterprise. To better leverage the value of the software and data stored at the digital laboratory the university contracted with Fakespace Systems to custom design and install a RAVE(TM) (Reconfigurable Advanced Visualization Environment). The RAVE is a large-scale modular system that supports multiple viewing modalities including immersive room environments, flat wall displays, angled theaters, and a variety of other configurations. In early June, Fakespace Systems completed the installation of three RAVE modules at NTNU, each with an eight-ft. by eight-ft. rear-projected viewing surface. More information on Fakespace Systems Inc. is available at http://www.fakespacesystems.com.

	Brazil's Federal University Installs SGI Virtual Reality Lab
3D-News Posted: Monday, June 4, 2001 (8:06 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Enables Visualization of Geological Data for Decisions on New Oil Wells The Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), located in Lagoa Nova, Brazil, has inaugurated a Virtual Reality Laboratory for 3D visualization of geological data as a decision-making tool for exploration of oil reserves. Featuring an SGITM Reality CenterTM 3300W visualization facility and a Silicon Graphics® Onyx2® InfiniteReality3TM workstation, the UFRN laboratory allows researchers to reduce the amount of time needed to complete key oil research projects from several months to a matter of days. These SGITM visualization tools enable researchers to attain a higher degree of accuracy in reservoir simulation, analysis and 3D visualization of subsurface data. "These technologies allow UFRN researchers and students to re-create geological features in 3D while acquiring knowledge in other disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, geology, medicine and engineering," explains Jose Carlos Gouveia, SGI's manager for Brazil. "The Virtual Reality Laboratory is ideal for 3D graphical visualization, using stereoscopy for oil exploitation research. The State of Rio Grande do Norte, which is an important hub of Brazilian oil production, welcomes the lab as a way to facilitate interaction among researchers with the system," says UFRN Professor Silvio Jose Bezerra. The Agência Nacional de Petróleo has approved several research projects that will be implemented by UFRN: Application of transformed wavelet and other modern techniques of static physics for the improvement of seismic resolution in the exploitation of oil Alternating injection of water and gas for the enhanced recovery of oil, an investigation of the efficiency of alternative injection methods for the recovery of oil Application of virtual reality in the analysis of the efficient draining of oil and gas fields SGI is a leader in technologies that allow oil and gas companies around the world to analyze geoscience and engineering data in highly visual, three-dimensional formats for exploration and development of hydrocarbon reservoirs. As one example, this might take the form of walks through the subsurfaces to see the geometric relationship between faults and the reservoir strata. Increasingly, data are viewed simultaneously and collaboratively by multidisciplinary teams dispersed in locations around the world. Combining high-performance computing and data management technologies with advanced collaborative visualization capabilities allows geoscientists, engineers and researchers to gain new insight through analysis of critical data in innovative and cost-saving ways.

	3D Photography New Product Release: Bubble Level for the Stereo Realist
3D-News Posted: Sunday, June 3, 2001 (15:58 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Stereo Realist enthusiasts can now easily add a precision level to their cameras with a new viewfinder bubble level. Manufactured from aerospace quality polymer, the liquid filled level simply snaps into the Stereo Realist viewfinder. This device helps achieve a true horizontal camera position. 3D Development Company, Savage, MN, manufactures the bubble level for the Stereo Realist. For information, please visit their Internet site at: http://www.representatives.com/3D.

	Stereoscopy.com finished set-up of new Web-Server
3D-News Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2001 (11:48 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
As of June 1st, all the pages on stereoscopy.com are working again. Due to the necessary change of our web-hosting company, some programs and other software running in the background and enabling such functions as the Database, Links-page and Chat-module, had to be re-programmed and re-installed. We do thank you for your patience and hope that Stereoscopy.com has now found a more reliable home for the benefit of all 3D-enthusiasts worldwide. Best RegarDDDs, Alexander Klein Webmaster

	StereoGraphics and Christie Digital Systems Co-Develop Module to Enhance Stereoscopic Viewing of 3D Images
3D-News Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2001 (11:40 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The World's Brightest 3D Projectors Fully Support Stereo3D™ Visualization StereoGraphics® Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of stereoscopic visualization products, and Christie Digital Systems, Inc., a leader in high-performance projection solutions, recently announced an agreement under which Christie Digital Systems and StereoGraphics Corporation will co- develop a controller module that will "plug in" to Christie Digital’s new Mirage 3D projectors. This new module will provide support for both active and passive stereoscopic viewing eyewear. The electronics will be designed using StereoGraphics Stereo3D technology and supported by Christie Digital's Mirage Core technology and will be optimized for StereoGraphics ZScreens® and CrystalEyes® emitters. The new controller will provide a complete solution that will enable users to view stereoscopic 3D images with active LC shutter glasses or with passive polarized eyewear. The controller will be manufactured by StereoGraphics and Christie Digital will offer it as an option for the new Mirage product line. "Until now, customers wanting to project stereoscopic images have had access only to CRT projectors which offer limited levels of brightness. Now, the Mirage projectors offer an ideal solution: with up to 10,000 lumens and high frame rates. By including StereoGraphics Corporation's Stereo3D technology inside the projector, we will offer true support for active and passive eyewear and provide the user a plug and play solution for viewing the best possible stereoscopic images," says Rocco Fondacaro, vice president of marketing, Christie Digital Systems. The Christie Digital Mirage series of DLP projectors utilize the Digital Micromirror Device™ optical switch to offer brightness at an order of magnitude better than CRT technology. The Stereo3D controller can drive either a Projection ZScreen panel which mounts directly onto the projector lens, allowing customers to view stereoscopic images by wearing very lightweight polarized glasses, or will drive StereoGraphics Corporation's current long-range emitters, which supply the sync signals for CrystalEyes active liquid crystal shutter eyewear. In both cases, the Mirage series projectors offer brilliant stereoscopic images. "With the introduction of DMD™ technology, a noteworthy improvement in the projection of stereoscopic moving images is taking place," says Lenny Lipton, chief technology officer and founder, StereoGraphics Corporation. "Christie Digital Systems' integration of our Stereo3D technology in its Mirage product suite is producing the cleanest, clearest, and easiest to view stereoscopic images I have ever seen. The Mirage line is ideally suited for both Projection ZScreen and CrystalEyes stereo viewing." The Christie Digital Mirage projectors are easily connected to any computer with a stereo-capable graphics sub-system. Moreover, the setup of projection requires no tweaking for continued performance at a high quality level, thus greatly simplifying stereoscopic projection setup for theater and CAVE® virtual reality environments. StereoGraphics' Stereo3D visualization technology allows CAD, GIS/Mapping, Chemistry and Medical professionals to review complex 3D computer graphics more realistically. Realistic visualization with true depth perception reduces time spent on graphical data interpretation and improves data understanding, essential in mechanical and architectural design, GIS and medical diagnosis.

	KSC Visitor Complex 12-Month Pass Holders got Sneak Preview Of All-New LIVE Show 'Mad Mission to Mars: 2025'
3D-News Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2001 (11:29 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
On Thursday, May 24, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was hosting an exclusive, after-hours preview event for "Mad Mission to Mars 2025" - KSCVC's latest attraction - for all 12-month pass holders. The preview event included "Mad Mission to Mars 2025" and access to Exploration in the New Millennium. In "Mad Mission to Mars 2025," live action, hands-on fun, stereoscopic 3-D computer animation and spectacular theatrical effects-including artificial winds and splatter cannons-combine to take guests on a unique and educational voyage through the cosmos. The show transforms the audience into "astronaut trainees" using the comedic antics of Professor Pruvitt, and his wacky colleagues, Kelvin and WD-4D. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open from 9 a.m. to approximately dusk every day except December 25 and certain launch days. The Visitor Complex is located 45 minutes east of Orlando, Florida, USA. For more information, call (321) 449-4444 or visit http://www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

	Superior Technology Provided by SGI and Volume Interactions Leads To Breakthrough Development in Neurosurgery
3D-News Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2001 (11:22 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The most difficult Siamese twin separation to date, performed in Singapore in APril 2001, benefited from rehearsals using the Dextroscope(TM), a neurosurgical planning system. This futuristic system was developed by Singapore-based Volume Interactions and is powered by high-performance Silicon Graphics(R) Onyx(R) family systems. The Dextoscope transforms two-dimensional images of patients' bodies into three-dimensional graphics, allowing neurosurgeons to plan the best way to perform complex surgeries in advance. "SGI, the global leader in modular high-end servers and graphics computing and a world leader in medical imaging and health sciences technology, together with Volume Interactions has given neurosurgeons the power of 3D virtual reality to help them conduct complex operations with the highest level of accuracy," said Dr. Almos Elekes, SGI marketing manager for medical applications. The 97-hour operation took place starting on Friday afternoon, April 6, and was completed the following Tuesday morning. The Nepalese twins, Jamuna and Ganga Shrestha, were connected at the tops of their heads and shared the same brain cavity. The successful separation surgery was complicated by the fact that their brains, partially fused, shared many overlapping blood vessels. For the operation, preplanning was often conducted collaboratively on two different continents over the course of six months, with two key surgeons simultaneously observing the same data-in this case, virtual versions of the babies' bodies. With the help of Dextroscope, the urgery team leader, Singapore-based Dr. Keith Goh, was able to discuss complex questions with Dr. Benjamin Carson, a surgeon based on the other side of the world at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Featuring patients' bodies that have been re-created from data from two-dimensional magnetic resonance and computer tomographic images, this advanced technology allows medical teams to plan operations by manipulating computer-generated 3D images. Using stereoscopic goggles and manipulating a 3D positioning system with a toggle bar and stylus (there is no mouse or keyboard), neurosurgeons utilizing Dextroscope enter into a virtual world, exploring surgical scenarios well in advance of actual operations. Surgeons can work with all the key features inside a patient's body, measuring them, manipulating them from different angles and slicing into them with a virtual scalpel. "SGI is proud to be powering Dextroscope. The application helps neurosurgeons to make better decisions on surgical procedures, resulting in greater successes. This is in line with our corporate objective to harness 3D graphical technology for the benefit of mankind," said Lawrence Lee, general manager, SGI Singapore. "As the application involved huge volumes of data, we needed sophisticated hardware to render the interactive 3D graphics. The Silicon Graphics Onyx family of systems was the best platform available. With SGI hardware advances providing more texture memory, we should be able to deliver better, more accurate and complete data in our solutions," said Dr. Luis Serra, president and chief technical officer of Volume Interactions. SGI's commitment to health care and medical solutions includes the computing hardware for such computer-aided, computer-guided surgeries and simulations, as well as high-performance and graphics systems for diagnostic imaging devices, digital image management and picture archiving/communications solutions. The Dextroscope system is one example of the many ways that SGI(TM) technologies facilitate virtual and enhanced visual procedures for improved preoperative planning and simulations, reducing the need for more invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures. The Dextroscope running on Silicon Graphics Onyx family systems has been used successfully in more than 40 operations at the Singapore National Neuroscience Institute and Singapore General Hospital. In addition to neurosurgery, the Dextroscope can be used in other industries that would benefit from the visualization of 3D multimodal data sets, enhanced interaction and the capacity to support advanced planning. These industries include geophysical exploration, drug design, education, microchip defect inspection and cell biology visualization.

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