Field Trip: Visualization Design Institute & Immersion Studios
Today we met Song Ho Ahn and Ian Howatson on the 4th floor. They demonstrated various applications they have developed for the Visualization Design Institute, such as a Skid Mark detector, which can estimate the speed of a car in an accident (complete with an animated visualization). This was developed in flash, and used an XML-driven data set to read information. Additionally, Ian showed us a 3D simulation of the L’anse aux Meadows, for Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History. This was developed using pre-existing engines & APIs, such as OGRE or Lithtech.
Song then demonstrated one of his newer projects, Facial Animation Communication Engine (or F.A.C.E.). This technology can analyze movement of the human face in real time; specifically movement and rotation. Currently he is still working on eye movement and facial inflections, but the general shape of the eyes, mouth and head can become quite similar to the users just by using a webcam. This was developed in C++.
Finally, we went to the 2nd floor and used the Immersion Studios room. Our current setup involves a 3 projector system, and each projects onto a large screen, to make you feel like you are closer to the action. This has practical applications in current day using things like IMAX presentations. Additionally, we watched a branching video which made use of audience members via tablet pcs. During the demonstration video (which looked like a bad episode of Babylon 5 by the way), audience members would play games (some as simple as polling audience members, others as advanced as space invaders), where the results of those games would be reflected on screen – either the video would change based on decisions, or the screen itself would illustrate what was happening during the “mini games.”
Overall I found this experience quite interesting. It will especially be interesting to see how much further the Immersion Studios technology can be taken to create interactive experiences. With new devices such as the Wii motion sensor, or touch screen walls, I could see quite a potential for “Interactive Movie Theatres” in the future.