From: tensor@rain.org (Joseph Chung Shen)
Subject: ANNOUNCE: CyberScape Camera-Based VR Authoring Software
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 08:31:58 GMT
Organization: Tensor Productions



   The wait is finally over!  This is the VR system that you can afford
   and is here today!

ANNOUNCEMENT:
   CyberScape(tm) version 2.5 is now available on the PC/DOS platform.
   This port is based on the successful Amiga version of the CyberScape
   with many new enhancements and error fixes incorporated.

DESCRIPTION:
   CyberScape software is currently being used on many commercial and
   research virtual reality projects around the world.  It is a
   cost-effective and non-intrusive alternative to the more expensive
   and cumbersome goggle/glove VR systems.

   CyberScape uses the "Projected Reality" metaphor by which the person
   or subject is immersed in the virtual world through a video camera,
   sometimes called the "Mirrored Reality", or simply "Camera-Based" VR
   - the same metaphor used in VideoPlace systems by Myron Krueger,
   Mandala systems by the Vivid Group, systems from Invideo Systems, Inc.
   and 3Pace, Inc.  The actor, with no strings attached, interacts
   with on screen objects to trigger graphics and sound events.

   This type of man-machine interface is inherently intuitive and well
   suited for group participation and communication applications.
   Besides, the health and hygene issues that concern many goggle/glove
   users simply does not apply here.  In addition to the camera interface,
   CyberScape also allows you to use any MIDI compatible controllers to
   control actors in the scene.

   CyberScape is a script-based, event-driven, multi-threaded authoring
   software that uses a physics-based 2D animation engine as its core.
   For example, a complete two-team volley ball experience can be
   constructed with about 200 lines of code.  Today, CyberScape is the
   only software of this kind available on the market.  We strive to
   bring this emerging technology to within the reach of average system
   integrators, producers and end users.  A complete CyberScape system
   costs between $5,000 and $10,000 USD.

FEATURES:
   o Video In:
        Supports NTSC/PAL/SECAM formats.
        Supports Composite/YC/RGB encoding.
        Supports software chrominance/luminance keying.
   o Graphics:
        Supports 256-colors 320 x 240 and 640 x 480 resolution.
        Supports double buffering and background scrolling.
        Supports color effects and brush painting.
        Loads and saves standard PCX format picture files.
   o Audio:
        Supports 32 channels 16-bit stereo sound.
        Loads standard WAV format sound files.
        Loads standard MIDI and MOD (12 types) format music files.
   o Collision Detections:
        Supports object collisions and boundary collisions.
        Supports multiple collision classes.
        Collisions detected at the pixel level.
   o Object Dynamics:
        Supports object velocity, acceleration, damping force,
        gravitational force, spring force, etc.
        Supports object grabbing and throwing.
   o Authoring:
        Supports scene transitions, timed sequences, global variables,
        random numbers, branch labels, arithmetic and logic operations.
   o Other Devices:
        Supports MPU401 MIDI output.
        Supports serial port input/output.

APPLICATIONS:
   o Interactive Music and Video Performances
   o Kinetic Sculptures and Cybernetic Arts
   o Interactive Learning and Training
   o Virtual Reality Constructions
   o Hypermedia Presentations
   o Interactive Video Games
   o Motion Trackings

MINIMUM HARDWARE:
   o 100 MHz Pentium PC with Triton Chipset and 8 MB EDO RAM.
   o 64-bit PCI Graphics Card with 2 MB DRAM.
   o Matrox Meteor PCI Frame Grabber.

OPTIONAL HARDWARE:
   o Sound Blaster Sound Card or Compatible.
   o External SVGA Genlock/Encoder.
   o External Chroma/Luma Keyer.

AVAILABILITY:
   o Available Now: CyberScape PC:    US$ 695.00
   o Upgrade from CyberScape Amiga:   US$ 495.00
   o Matrox Metoer PCI Frame Grabber: US$ 495.00
   Available From:
   Matrox Electronic Systems, Ltd.
   Image Processing Group
   Tel: (800)361-4903
   http://www.matrox.com

CONTACT:
   Tensor Productions
   819 Gwyne Avenue
   Santa Barbara, CA 93111
   Tel: (805)683-2165
   http://www.rain.org/~tensor
   tensor@rain.org


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