From: "Tony Havelka" Subject: Re: MISC: VR thoughts Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 18:09:40 -0600 Message-ID: <885565828.413887@michelob> Organization: Liquid Image Eben Gay wrote in message <34BFD5A4.D7F47863@ergeng.com>... -big snip- > >I'm afraid that I have to side with Jerry on this one. The high-end >graphics workstation market is going the way of the main-frame: it's >going to be a steady business, but it's not where the explosive growth >is. Also, the fancy I/O hardware (HMDs, gloves) doesn't cut it in >volume applications. What?! HMD's have proven themselves, time and time again, in numerous volume applications. Everything ranging from VR entertainment systems, immersive VR theaters, to tradeshow booths have cost effectively utilized HMDs to add punch to the presentation and enhance the visualization experience. HMDs are now being seen as a viable display solution like a CRT, LCD, or projection system. I acknowledge that HMDs are not perfect for every situation, just as CRTs, LCDs and projection systems aren't perfect either. With respect to fancy I/O hardware, keyboards and mice also don't cut it in volume applications. The two most low tech of all I/O devices are not feasible in volume applications. The keyboard offers the user with too much flexibility, the controls are not intuitive, and it is prone to malfunction and "gumming up". The mouse also has the same downfalls. All in all, people should look to any VR type interface devices because they solve an interface problem not because they look cool or give the application the VR moniker. In the past, this was the case with many applications. Developers now have access to some of the best HMDs ever and should not quickly discount them because of past performance. >For instance, we're currently developing a commercial medical VR app >that is planned to be sold in the tens of thousands per year. It's >flat panel display, PC based. There's no place for an HMD in an >operating room and there's no need for an SGI in the hospital's budget >(sorry!). Whoa! Hang on a second. No place for an HMD in an operating room? The operating room has been in dire need of HMDs for a long time now. Companies such as Vista Medical and KEO have been working on high end light weight products just for the operating room. ( See http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/97/09/15/hprt_mdt_1.html for more info) We have been working on an HMD that will be used in portable veterinary ultrasound applications. The Medical industry is just one of the many industries that are using HMDs effectively and relatively inexpensively. As I stated before, HMDs are becoming more mainstream every day. They are moving out of the labs and into solving day to day display problems. Check out the sci.virtual-worlds FAQ for a listing of all HMD manufacturers - give one of us a call so we can show you how we can help solve your display needs. Regards, Tony Havelka Liquid Image Corporation 1-90 Market Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0P3 (204) 988-3000 vox (204) 988-3050 fax http://www.liquidimage.ca/vr