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Last Updated: Mar 17th, 2009 - 10:42:11
SIGGRAPH 2008 New Tech Demos
By Cynthia Kirkeby
Jun 29, 2008, 09:40 PST
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Each year at SIGGRAPH they showcase emerging technology in the fields of displays, robotics, input devices, and interaction techniques. Over 180 submissions were juried and only the top 35 were accepted to the showcase. Nine additional pieces will be added as curated submissions.
So why should you go to the new tech demos exhibit and try them out? "Many of these cutting-edge technologies exemplify how our past informs our future and how it affects the upcoming opportunities and challenges of computer graphics and interactive techniques," stated Mk Haley, SIGGRAPH 2008 Conference Director of Encounters with Disney-ABC Digital Media. "The technologies and installations in New Tech Demos encourage people to engage with the future, as well as celebrate our past, as we invigorate, explore, and define our potential."
Some of the amazing new tech exhibits include:
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Rome Reborn
The largest virtual historical reconstruction, cultural heritage, and digital archeology project undertaken to date. Approximately 7,000 reborn buildings recapture Rome at the peak of its glory, in 320 AD, at the time of Constantine the Great.
Created By: Bernard Frischer, Dean Abernathy, University of Virginia; Gabriele Guidi, Politecnico di Milano; Joel Meyers, Past Perfect Productions; Cassie Thibodeau, Antonio Salvemini, mental images GmbH; Pascal Muller, Procedural Inc.; Cole Krumbholz, MITRE Corporation
Potential Use Rome Reborn revolutionizes the way we explore, discover, research, and publish in archeology. It offers new approaches for exhibiting historical findings in museums. It opens new channels for collaboration within a community of research scientists, and for the public at large. And it could transform the way history is taught in our schools.
Copycat Arm
Copycat Arm is a robot system that imitates the human motions without time delay, by visually estimating the human hand and arm postures at high accuracy with a processing time of 100 fps or more.
Created By: Kiyoshi Hoshino, Tomida Motomasa, University of Tsukuba
Potential Use: A robot communicating with sign language can be developed by teaching it different motions and their meanings. An information input device in which the contents on the screen change depending on the motions of the user's hand can be realized, eliminating the use of a mouse and a keyboard. For inputting three-dimensional models such as clay art, the user has to move his/her hand or arm in the desired manner and form a particular shape. Further, the virtual objects in computer games can be operated using different hand and finger motions such as kneading, twisting, or crushing.
Latte Art Machine
Presents a new method of displaying images on the surface of premium espresso-based drinks. This standalone machine uses inkjet technology to compose stunning latte art designs by infusing the foam layer of the beverage with the tiny droplets of colorant.
Created By: Oleksiy Pikalo, OnLatte
Potential Use: The latte art machine explores the new medium by combining the existing inkjet technology with the freedom of artistic expression.
Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display
Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display will substantially improve the usability of 3D CADs or stereoscopic displays by superimposing a high-fidelity pressure field onto the graphic objects presented in 3D free space, and enable the users to physically handle these objects with their bare hands.
Created By: Takayuki Hosh, Takayuki Iwamoto, Hiroyuki Shinoda, Mari Tatezono, The University of Tokyo
Potential Use: The hand tracking system used in this prototype is a simple system comprised of a single camera. However, if the Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display is combined with more sophisticated hand tracking systems, it would be a more practical haptic interaction system. It can also be expected that by superimposing acoustic radiation pressure onto the 3D graphic objects presented with stereoscopic displays, it effectively enhances the reality of the 3D virtual objects.
For more information on SIGGRAPH 2008 New Tech Demos, visit: http://www.siggraph.org/s2008/attendees/newtech/
© Copyright 2008 by Classbrain.com
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