robw@brb.isnet.inmos.co.uk (12/14/90)
Here is a copy of an article in the December 1990 issue of Design Engineering I thought you all might be interested in. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- What can be considered to be the worlds first universally affordable *Virtual Reality* system is being launched at computer graphics '90. *Virtuality* developed by W INDUSTRIES, allows the userto live within a world he or she has created. Look up, down, behind and to the side - objects can be moved around and viewed from every possible angle, even from inside looking out. For instance, it will enable a car designer to sit inside his dream model before it is actually produced. Two configurations are possible - the Virtuality SU, which is designed for a person standing or moving in a scanned area and the Virtuality SD, a high quality sit-down console where simulated vehicles are driven in a virtual world. The system comprises three key components: the user's main interface with the virtual world or the *visette*. This head-worn visor system gives the wearer complete freedom of movement, allowing the user to walk or look around. It contains a stereoscopic viewing system and provides a four channel sound system for vectored sound and a tracking sensor to continuously monitor the position of the head, giving a correct view of the virtual world. The visette also posseses a configurable stereo field of between 90 and 120 degrees, depending on binocular overlap. A unique locking system, *Ergolok* enables visette to accomodate a wide range of head geometry and sizes and it has a quick release mechanism providing simple, safe removal. A second overhead adjuster enables optimum viewing positions and a comfortable fit, even for users wearing spectacles. The second component of the virtual reality system is the multi-media computer system *Expality*. Fully networked and making use of a CD ROM, it has been specifically designed for virtual reality applications and provides full multi-media output including sound, vision and motion instructions. Finally, the *Animette* simulation system, a software product developed by W INDUSTRIES has been specifically designed for demanding simulation applications which involve multi-media queueing and data-base load management. The alternative world created through the system include high definition colour graphics and a quadrophonic, digital sound system. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sorry for posting the whole ad. As with most ads it's pretty thin on hard technical data but if anybody has any interest in the system I can Email when I have the full details from W Industries. Rob W. p.s If anybody want to contact the mfr direct W INDUSTRIES, Leicester UK. Tel +44 (533) 542127 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rob Wadsworth Inmos Ltd Newport GWENT UK | EMail: robw@isnet.inmos.co.uk Tel +44 633 413443 ext 269 | -------------------------------- Fax +44 633 412925 | My own thoughts etc............. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------