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Mechdyne Set to Unveil World's Highest Resolution Immersive Virtual Reality Environment
100 Million Pixel, Six-Sided Room at Iowa State University Dramatically Increases Detail to Boost Insight, Performance and Creativity
| Source: Mechdyne Corporation
MARSHALLTOWN, IA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 10, 2007 -- Mechdyne Corporation and Iowa State
University are making final preparations for the grand opening of the most
impressive virtual reality environment in the world; the 100 million pixel,
six-sided C6 at the Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC). The public
is invited to attend the April 26 opening as part of the Emerging
Technologies Conference at the University from April 25 - 27.
The design of the new C6, developed by Mechdyne's Fakespace display
division, will create the most detailed, realistic virtual imagery ever.
The system's 100 million pixels is more than 16 times the resolution of
typical immersive rooms and is more than double the resolution of the
current world record holder, a 43 million pixel, five-sided room also
installed by Mechdyne in 2005. VRAC's applications, including genetic
research, engineering design reviews, virtual battlespace simulations and
atomic microscope image analysis, are all expected to benefit from this new
level of insight.
"The C6 is an invaluable tool for design and research projects," said James
Oliver, the director of Iowa State's Virtual Reality Applications Center
and a professor of mechanical engineering. "When Mechdyne demonstrated
they could achieve this incredible resolution, we immediately saw the
potential for significant gains in information discovery, creativity and
knowledge through having more data available at one time."
The C6's six projected sides surround users, placing them inside 3D models
or virtual worlds to create a sense of presence within the virtual space.
Mechdyne designed the C6 using state-of-the-art Sony SXRD 4096 x 2160
resolution projectors, not only for the resolution but for the stunning
picture quality and brightness that will enhance image realism.
The 96 channel graphics cluster generating the C6 imagery is the world's
largest graphics cluster for virtual reality applications. Mechdyne's
computing and software division, VRCO Inc., specified and configured the 48
node cluster to drive the 24 projectors in the system at their full native
resolution. The cluster is located in a climate controlled environment
next to the C6 and is connected via fiber optic connections.
"To meet our customers' requests for higher resolution, we have developed
and refined the means to scale computing and displays to the 100 million
pixels of the C6 and beyond," said Chris Clover, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Mechdyne Corporation. "We are pleased to have Iowa
State at the top of our list of world leading advanced visualization
systems. Their work will demonstrate how resolution can improve results
and generate real return on investment."
More information on the Emerging Technologies Conference and how to
register for public tours of the C6 is available at
www.vrac.iastate.edu/etc2007.
About Mechdyne Corporation
Mechdyne Corporation is the world's largest company dedicated to consulting
and development of immersive, networked and collaborative visualization
systems. The company addresses complex projects where an in-depth
understanding of user requirements leads to the development of products and
customized solutions involving elements of visual, software and support
systems. Mechdyne's subsidiary, Fakespace Systems Inc., provides advanced
display technology and implementation services. Subsidiary VRCO, Inc.
specializes in immersive and interactive software development and support.
Headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa, Mechdyne's customers include leading
government laboratories, military research programs, energy companies and a
variety of 'edutainment,' manufacturing, and other users of visualization
technology. More information is available at www.mechdyne.com,
www.fakespace.com and www.vrco.com.