3rdTech
Installs HiBall Tracker System for
Japans Communications Research Laboratory
Wide-Area and
High-Performance Critical for New Showcase Research Site
CHAPEL
HILL, N.C., May 14, 2001
3rdTech Inc., developing products and businesses from leading-edge
university research, today announced the latest HiBall-3000 Wide Area Tracker
installation, and the first in Japan. The Communications Research Laboratory (CRL),
an independent administrative institution in Japan, purchased a HiBall-3000
System for research in communications systems using virtual reality, through
NISSHO Electronics Corporation one of 3rdTechs international resellers.
The
HiBall-3000 C-50 System, which tracks position and orientation within a 4000
cubic foot space, is being used with two 150-inch rear projectors and a 200-inch
display composed of 16 individual DLP projectors. Participants sit in specially
designed, fully wired, retractable auditorium seats for immersive explorations
in communications system design. A custom ceiling moves the HiBall Trackers
Beacon Arrays into position above the immersive space during use, and retracts
into a storage position at other times. The HiBall Trackers autocalibration
assures precise tracking even after these substantial movements.
20ft. x 20ft.
Ceiling Array
I
fell in love with the HiBall Tracker system at first sight at SIGGRAPH 2000,
said Kiyoshi Kiyokawa, scientist at the CRL. Its performance is really
amazing. I am very glad we have the first HiBall system outside the U.S.
Ceiling
Array in Stored Position
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 for the CRLs new installation, said
Nick England, President and CEO of 3rdTech, Inc. It will be a showcase for
how the latest VR technology can be an invaluable R & D tool. Additional
information about the HiBall-3000 Wide Area Tracker is available at www.3rdtech.com/HiBall.htm
