3rdTechs
HiBall-3000 Tracker Chosen for
Computer Graphics World
Year 2000 Innovation Award
Winners Expand the Boundaries of Visual Computing
CHAPEL
HILL, N.C., December 1, 2000
3rdTech Inc., developing products and businesses from leading-edge
university research, today announced that its HiBall-3000 Wide Area Tracker
has won a Computer Graphics World Year 2000 Innovation Award. Selected
from hundreds of new products nominated for the award, the magazines winners
are chosen based on demonstrating true innovation by expanding the boundaries
of visual computing.
The
HiBall-3000 is a new optical tracker based on technology first developed by the
Department of Computer Science of the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill. It uses a custom sensor composed of six lenses and photodiodes arranged to
view arrays of infrared LEDs that mount easily on the supports of standard
drop ceilings.
The LED arrays can cover areas as small as 8x8 feet or greater than 40x40
feet. The
HiBall Trackers innovative design and technology break new ground in tracking
range, absolute tracking accuracy, and tracking performance. These capabilities
make it ideal for virtual and augmented reality, simulation and training,
industrial tool and robot tracking, film and video production, and
location-based entertainment.
Were
very pleased to have been selected by Computer Graphics World for this award,
says Nick England, President and CEO of 3rdTech, Inc. We believe the
breakthrough design and performance of the HiBall Tracker will enable both new
applications for trackers, and new successes in existing applications.
The
HiBall-3000 Wide Area Tracker is now shipping. The list price for a complete
system starts at approximately $28,000. Full descriptions of the award winning
products will appear in the December 2000 issue of Computer Graphics World (See www.cgw.com
for more information). Additional information about the HiBall-3000 Wide Area
Tracker is available at www.3rdtech.com/HiBall.htm.
