Digital Pavilions: New at SIGGRAPH 98
Better Living Through Networks and Computer Graphics
For immediate release
10 June 1998
For further information:
Ann Kilhoffer
+1.619.275.5090
kilhoffer@siggraph.org
(10 June 1998) At SIGGRAPH 98, the 25th International Conference on
Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 19 -24 July, attendees will
see the work of technology visionaries whose goal is to demonstrate better
living through networks and computer graphics in the new Digital Pavilions.
"From natural language processing to gesture recognition, the SIGGRAPH 98
Digital Pavilions show attendees how we will soon be able to interact with
computerized systems as naturally as with our next door neighbor," said
Janet McAndless, SIGGRAPH 98, Emerging Technologies Chair. "For example, families separated by hundreds or thousands of miles can
easily converse and visually share experiences using cellular phones you
might find on sale in consumer electronics stores this holiday season."
Digital Pavilions is a showcase for applications, installations, and
sessions from leading universities and corporate labs that give us a look
toward our collaborative future in an increasingly connected world.
Among the Digital Pavilions highlights are:
MicroDisplay Camera Phone: This new cellular phone, from MicroDisplay
Corporation, illustrates the convergence in telecommunications, computer,
and information technology. It enables users to transfer images such as
faxes, photographs, web imagery, or text. Users can also view and send a
live video feed using the phone's viewscreen display and built-in camera.
Using hand-held devices such as the MicroDisplay phone, families and
businesspeople for the first time will be able to share real-time visual
experiences.
GestureVR: Gesture Interface to Spatial Reality: Your free moving,
gloveless hand is the sole input device in this demonstration of a natural
gesture interface to spatial simulations including a 3D representation of
Yosemite Valley and ID Software's popular video game "Doom." The novel
Hand Gesture Recognition Interface technology, developed at Bell Labs,
offers precise control of the viewer's navigation in 3D space or for
grasping and moving objects on the screen. The interface makes control of
complex actions in 3D space very intuitive and simple and has a very
natural feel to the user.
Islands of Adventure in Cyberspace: This project, from the University of
Central Florida, demonstrates a series of imaginary experiences based on
the Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida,
which is currently under construction. The project simulates what a typical
World Wide Web entertainment experience will be like when our homes are
routinely equipped with high-performance 3D graphics and sound capable
information systems.
Jennifer James, Celebrity Auto Spokesperson: Jennifer James is a
consumer-friendly, intelligent, interactive, virtual 3D character designed
to sell cars over the Web. Cast as an ex-NASCAR driver, Jennifer greets
visitors at a virtual auto show and engages them in a dynamically
customized five- to ten-minute dialog and presentation of available
vehicles. She uses natural social dialog to elicit and offer information,
with the goal of matching each visitor to a vehicle suited to their
lifestyle and preferences. During this process, she works to establish
through her dialog, facial expressions, and animated gestures o a
relationship on behalf of her sponsor with each visitor. This new
generation of interactive characters will provide consumers with a familiar
and compelling Web sales experience.
SIGGRAPH 98 is being held 19-24 July, at the Orange County Convention
Center, Orlando, Florida. It includes a comprehensive exhibition of
products and services for the computer graphics and interactive marketplace
22-23 July.
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If you would like more information on the Digital Pavilion projects
discussed in this release or would like to review the entire SIGGRAPH 98
technical program, please contact Ann Kilhoffer, SIGGRAPH 98 Marketing and
Media, +1.619.275.5090 or email: ann_kilhoffer@siggraph.org.
For news from SIGGRAPH 98 exhibitors, please see the PR Newswire at:
http://www.prnewswire.com/tech/newstechnology.html
