Additional Show 'Patagonia in 3D!' in Hamburg, Germany on April 26, 2006
3D-News Posted: Monday, February 27, 2006 (18:34 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Owing to the great demand, an additional 3D show "El fin del mundo" by 3DTIEFENRAUSCH.de takes you along to the end of the world. In extraordinary 3D impressions from Chile and Argentina you will see fascinating landscapes and people. Equipped with 3D glasses and accompanied by chilling music the viewers immerse in the widths of South America. The animated stereo images create a new documentary art form between photography and film, which seems to bypass space and time. Travel to Chile and Argentina, to a region of overwhelming beauty, which ranges from the extreme dry deserts in the north over the distinctive landscapes of Patagonia and Fireland to the perpetual ice of the Antarctic in the south. 3DTIEFENRAUSCH.de invites visitors to a free of charge wine-tasting of South American wines at the end of the 3D show. The projection takes place on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at 9.15 p.m. at Metropolis Kino, Dammtorstrasse 30a, 20354 Hamburg, Germany. Entrance is 8 Euro, which includes 3D glasses. Tickets can be reserved by phone: 49 (0)40 342353 or directly at Metropolis Kino, Dammtorstrasse 30a in Hamburg. For further information about the location check http://www.metropoliskino.de.

	Hot 3-D Technology Up For Grabs at Bay Area IP Auction
3D-News Posted: Thursday, February 23, 2006 (13:26 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
BLS Technologies announced that it will sell the patent rights to CircleScan 4D, a 3D technology that promises to propel 3D entertainment from specialty venues into every theatre and household worldwide. Developed by inventor Eddie Paul of EP Industries in El Segundo, CA., CircleScan finally makes 3D entertainment economically feasible. Unlike traditional 3D technologies requiring specialized cameras to record stereoscopic images, CircleScan attaches to existing equipment. But what really sets CircleScan apart from all other 3D systems is that it can be delivered with virtually zero-cost of deployment across the entire media landscape: theaters, broadcast, DVDs, Internet - even iPods and cell phones. The only investment is an inexpensive pair of 3D glasses for end users. "CircleScan puts an end to the 50-year 3D stalemate," says BLS Technologies Founder Ian Bruce. "Despite the renewed public craving for 3D, and directors like George Lucas, Robert Zemeckis and James Cameron promoting more 3D content, the substantial production and delivery infrastructure investment has created a deadlock between exhibitors and content producers ever since the debut of 3D movies in the 1950s. The divide in television is even greater - unless you're willing to spend millions changing the way you broadcast, or billions to replace every subscriber's television, or both, there is no viable solution except CircleScan." CircleScan's most revolutionary advantage, and one that is vitally important for TV broadcast and digital content, is the extraordinary fact that CircleScan embedded content looks completely normal to the naked eye. Only when you view a program through inexpensive glasses is the three-dimensional imagery revealed. No other display independent 3D technology has ever been able to accomplish this - to provide both 2D and 3D in a single format. "CircleScan truly is the Holy Grail for live broadcast and sports programming, especially in HD," says Bruce. "BLS is selling the technology only because entertainment really isn't our line of work. We were just lucky enough to have this gem in our patent portfolio. It deserves a company who's a leader in the industry, and who has the vision to take their content to the next level." The CircleScan technology goes on the auction block at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, April 5-6 during OceanTomo's Spring 2006 Patent Auction.

	Access Integrated Technologies to Offer a Plan to Ensure Exhibitors' Digital Cinemas Are 3D Ready in Its Christie/AIX Deployment Plan
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 (23:30 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. today announced that its Christie/AIX unit has agreed to install the necessary hardware enabling its exhibitor customers to begin showing 3D movies on all digitally-equipped screens through a non-exclusive agreement with In-Three, Inc. and NuVision Technologies. The agreement calls for the installation of Infra-Red Emitters provided by NuVision for its entire first-year Christie/AIX deployment of digital cinema systems, covering approximately 2,300 screens in the USA. In-Three has developed and successfully demonstrated a proprietary technology that converts any traditional 2D content, including first-run motion pictures into high-quality 3D imagery without eye fatigue enabling it to be watched for hours. Its "Dimensionalization®" technology was featured at ShoWest, the entertainment industry's largest tradeshow in March 2005, highlighted by a demonstration hosted by some of the world's best-known film directors including George Lucas, Peter Jackson, Randal Kleiser, Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron. Movies "Dimensionalized®" utilizing In-Three's 3D technology work with both special infra-red-controlled "active shutter" 3D glasses from NuVision or the Z-filter system recently deployed for Disney's "Chicken Little" release. Because the In-Three/NuVision active 3D shutter glasses do not require special silver screens, added projection hardware, or licensing agreements with exhibitors, Christie/AIX can provide this capability at no cost while still permitting the exhibitor to add additional 3D technologies later on if deemed necessary. Under terms of the new agreement, In-Three in cooperation with its 3D eyewear partner NuVision, will provide AccessIT and participating exhibitors with the required enabling technology, including infra-red emitters, 3D glasses (starter set), and 3D test & sample content, without charge. Exhibitors electing to deploy the technology can purchase the active 3D shutter glasses directly from NuVision. As a vendor-neutral technology provider, AccessIT also intends to work with other 3D technology companies to offer its exhibitor partners flexibility in choosing from multiple solutions. "One of digital cinema's core attractions is its ability to provide viewers with an unmatched visual experience - and 3D is one of several unique applications of this technology. Viewing 3D images on large movie screens at 2K resolution is an experience that can not be replicated at home. Through the use of technology such as In-Three's Dimensionalization® process, movies of all types, both new and old, can now easily provide audiences with a new entertainment experience," commented Russell Wintner, president and chief operating officer of AccessIT's Digital Media Division. "This agreement also furthers our goal of making available to exhibitors a complete range of ancillary products and technologies for capitalizing on the vast potential of digital cinema." Michael Kaye, President and CEO of In-Three, Inc. said: "We are very pleased to be working with AccessIT, along with our 3D glasses partner NuVision, to help provide exhibitors with 3D ready digital theatres. This is a joint commitment between AccessIT, In-Three, and NuVision, that will bring the benefits of 3D technology to moviegoers nationwide. We are very impressed with the strategy and commitment of AccessIT and their ability to accelerate the wide-scale adoption of digital cinema. Exhibitors are going to be pleasantly surprised when they realize that their newly installed AccessIT digital cinema equipment is actually capable and ready to show 3D movies."

	University Hospital of Zurich starts with 3D stereoscopic imaging of medical CT and MRI data
3D-News Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2006 (17:44 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The University Hospital of Zurich has signed a contract with 3mensio Medical Imaging BV for the installation of the 3viseon™ WS SD1710 stereo system within their Institute of Diagnostic Radiology. The 3viseon™ WS SD1710 stereo was introduced during the 91st RSNA meeting on November 27th at Chicago and is the result of a joint development between 3mensio Medical Imaging BV and Planar System Inc. The turn key solution has been designed for both viewing and advanced 3D manipulation of medical images in stereo and can be used both standalone as well as integrated within the workflow of the radiology department. The 3viseon™ software is displayed at a Planar 17" SD1710 display using StereoMirror™ technology which produces CT and MRI images with amazing quality. Simple polarizing glasses reveal high contrast, flicker-free stereo images providing comfortable viewing during extended sessions. "The stereo effect will add true depth to real time 3D rendering of our CT and MRI images and is thus the cherry on the top of 3D imaging", explains Dr. Thomas Frauenfelder, senior radiologist and chief of the 3D-Laboratory at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. "This system will facilitate our department to explain to a complete surgery team our findings which can be useful for planning surgical procedures",continues Dr. Frauenfelder. "We are delighted to have the University Hospital of Zurich as our initial customer for the 3viseon™ WS SD1710 stereo and have high expectations of introducing this system within the radiology department", says Frank Wessels, Founder and CEO of 3mensio Medical Imaging BV. "Above all, it clearly demonstrates the ability of our company to deliver innovative, affordable solutions within the medical imaging field, based on off the shell graphics cards derived from the computer gaming industry", adds Frank Wessels.

	Viking Systems, Inc. Announces Newly Optimized Stereoscopic Surgical Camera as Part of the Company's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 (12:16 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Viking Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of three dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vision systems for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), announced that it has released an enhanced stereo surgical camera as part of the Company's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System product portfolio. The camera now includes three distinct adjustable settings to optimize 3D vision in varying laparoscopic environments. The identification of these settings was the result of in-depth clinical investigations at academic medical centers and hospitals in the U.S. and Europe, aimed at understanding the light and aperture positions necessary to bring today's minimally invasive visualization standards to a higher and more specified level in a variety of surgical specialties. "To optimize 3D vision and enhance depth perception in different laparoscopic video environments, different laparoscopic approaches to the abdomen and pelvis, and even individual segments of various procedures require unique settings for optimal light and aperture positions," said Rob Tierney, Viking's Vice-President, Clinical Development. "Through our collaborative research of complex Urologic, Gynecologic and General MIS procedures, our surgeon partners believe the optimized visual field provides the most advantageous operating environment." The new settings are procedure-specific, each one providing the optimal conditions for that anatomical space. The first setting is for small, light-deprived anatomical environments, like the pelvic region. The second setting provides specifications for procedures in the abdominal cavity, and the third is designed specifically for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. "Many procedures, such as the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are performed in a small anatomic space," said Tierney. "This environment is visually very different from one that a surgeon faces performing a laparoscopic colon resection, where the larger abdominal cavity requires brighter light and aperture considerations. The newly fitted camera addresses both types of environments instantly, providing the laparoscopic surgeon a customized video transmission. Because of the highly individualized nature of surgical technique, MIS surgeons strongly prefer this customizability for their cases." The camera itself is a major component of the larger EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System, an immersive 3D surgical visualization system used by minimally invasive surgeons. The system offers surgeons 3D vision, on-demand access to existing clinical images and patient information, and complete freedom of movement while remaining directly engaged with the patient. "This latest feature added to the EndoSite 3Di is just another in a long list of those which will improve the overall surgical experience for minimally invasive surgeons," said Lonna J. Williams, Viking's Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations. "These new settings, combined with the ergonomics of the Head-Mounted Display (HMD), the voice-activated access to clinical information, and the immersive 3D optics, make the EndoSite 3Di a truly unique and beneficial offering for surgeons and their patients."

	Live 3D Holograms
3D-News Posted: Monday, February 6, 2006 (13:42 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Hidden from public view at Super Bowl XL, spectacular live-action 3D holograms will be created from signals streaming in from networks of electronic eyes. These live-action holograms will help Homeland Security Agency officials detect people and objects suspected of endangering the 65 thousand ticket holders crowding into Ford Field, and the thousands more who will gather in downtown Detroit to celebrate the NFL's preeminent football contest. While Homeland Security may decide not to go public with the details, the surveillance effort is likely to include scanning the undersides of vehicles for suspicious objects miniature video cameras for face-in-the-crowd recognition and feature-matching remote monitoring of street-level festivities, day and night classified methods of searching for and detecting potential threats. Remote cameras and sensors will stream signals to Intrepid displays hidden in a security van where, for the first time, security officials will be viewing three-dimensional, holographic optical element capable of revealing shadows, angles, depths and details beyond the ability of conventional imaging. Super Bowl XL marks the first use of this new technology, LifeVision3D™, for a large-scale public security operation. It's the creation of privately held Intrepid Defense & Security Systems based in Birmingham, Michigan. Mark A. Hammond, Deputy Director, Wayne County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, believes the technology being used to enhance security at Super Bowl XL "should be looked at as a 'must have' for every government agency and every company that has protection issues to deal with." This is a technology that you must see in person to believe. You can't photograph it. Words don't convey its impact. What happens? Intrepid's CEO James Fischbach says his LifeVision3D™ system produces "true, live-action 3D. No funny eyeglasses. No 'Virtual Reality' goggles. Instead, the action appears to move out from the surface of the screen and envelop the viewer." As signals stream in from live stereo cameras or other sensors, the screen in front of you comes alive in full-color, and three-dimensional. The action appears to move out from the surface of the screen and envelop you. You become a participant, not just an observer. In a highway sequence, for example, cars would come up from behind and suddenly appear in your peripheral vision before passing you. An object speeding directly toward you – a football hurled by the Steelers' quarterback, for instance – instinctively makes you want to receive it or to duck for cover. It's that realistic. For Super Bowl operations, Intrepid is working with Codespear LLC, also headquartered in Birmingham. Codespear is Wayne County Homeland Security's prime contractor for secure communications and alerts at Super Bowl XL. Codespear president Paul Hodges says Codespear and Intrepid technologies "merge seamlessly" to provide realtime surveillance and visual analyses. What's ahead? Intrepid's successful development of live-action three-dimensional full color Holography promises to leap ahead of current technologies for Enhancing depth of field information for color night vision Revealing details of ground images from satellites for safer troop and asset deployment Immersing civilian and military pilots in stunningly lifelike flight simulations Re-energizing arcade video games with new dimensions of reality Enthralling students by letting science and history almost literally come alive Making exploration of the moon and the planets more revealing Underwater surveillance, threat assessment, exploration and recovery plus a host of other applications including vision for remotely controlled precision surgery as demonstrated recently at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital. After over a decade in development, LifeVision3D now is ready for production and sale, according to Intrepid Defense & Security CEO James Fischbach. "Opportunities are opening up with government agencies, the military, entertainment, medicine, and just about everyplace where people are starting to appreciate what they can accomplish with live-action 3D holography," Fischbach says.

	Worldwide Expansion Continues for REAL D Cinema with European Installations
3D-News Posted: Monday, February 6, 2006 (13:31 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Select Theatres to Present Disney's "Chicken Little" in 3D REAL D, the leader in the delivery of premium 3D experiences, continues its global expansion with the installation of REAL D Cinema systems in British and German theatres for the 3D presentation of Disney's "Chicken Little." Circuits inking deals with REAL D as part of this arrangement include British theatre operators Odeon and Vue and German theatre operators Cinema Theatre and Cinecitta Multiplexkino. This brings the number of REAL D Cinema installations to 102 screens with locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, England and Germany. The domestic success of Disney's "Chicken Little" in 3D, which enjoyed overwhelming box-office success as 3D per screen averages outpaced 2D nearly threefold, has helped drive the rapid adoption of REAL D Cinema by the global exhibition community. Other upcoming releases in REAL D Cinema format including Columbia Pictures' "Monster House" and Disney's "Meet the Robinsons." "With the addition of UK and Germany, more than 100 theatres in seven countries now have REAL D Cinemas, a clear indication that the global future of cinema is digital 3D," said Michael V. Lewis, Chairman, REAL D. "Top-notch 3D content from REAL D's movie studio partners, along with the promise of live concerts and sporting events delivered directly to theatres in REAL D, gives operators the differentiation they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive theatrical environment combating erosion from in-home theatres and closing distribution windows." UK theatres offering REAL D Cinema include: Vue West End in Leicester Square (London), Odeon Printworks at Printworks Centre (Manchester), Odeon Wimbledon at The Crescent (Wimbledon) and Odeon Bath, Kingsmead Leisure Complex (Bath). German theatres offering REAL D Cinema include: Cinema Theatre, Kinematograph Film (Munich) and Cinecitta Multiplexkino (Nuremberg). REAL D Cinema is a simple, affordable way for exhibitors, studios and filmmakers to deliver a premium 3D experience to moviegoers. REAL D Cinema systems draw from the company's decades-long history developing mission-critical technologies for organizations like BMW, Boeing, Pfizer, NASA and the U.S. Military. The REAL D Cinema platform is rapidly emerging as the global standard for the delivery of digital 3D entertainment to theatres. REAL D intends to equip more than 1,000 theatre screens globally by 2007 to accommodate the future release of 3D content, including animated and live action motion pictures, live 3D concerts, live 3D sporting events and other 3D entertainment.

	Fakespace Delivers Walk-In Virtual Reality System to Egyptian Facility Designed to Recapture the Spirit of the Ancient Library of Alexandria
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2006 (2:50 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The FLEX(TM) Visualization System Provides Immersive Experience at Research Center Affiliated With Egypt's New Center for Learning Fakespace Systems Inc. today announced that it has delivered the latest generation FLEX(TM) visualization system to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the New Library of Alexandria in Egypt. This walk-in Virtual Reality system will enable interactive work within three-dimensional computer-generated models and environments at the International School of Information Science (ISIS), a research center affiliated with the new Library, which is designed to recapture the spirit of the ancient center of learning. ISIS is the first facility in Africa and the Middle East to provide an advanced visualization tool of this scale. Devoted to using the newest technology to preserve the past and to promote access to products of the human intellect, the facility will display 3D stereoscopic images generated from a state-of-the-art PC cluster, on the FLEX's three 10-ft x 10-ft vertical walls and the floor. The FLEX system will provide researchers in the region with the infrastructure they need to cooperate and work closely with researchers from all over the world and paves the road for future collaboration. As part of a new R&D environment it is expected to become a strategic means to securing sustainable development and growth in Egypt and the region. With virtual reality, or immersive visualization, researchers are able to experience simulations of natural or human-engineered phenomena in a way that provides new insights and understanding. Often eliminating the need for physical models, work within virtual environments has been shown to save time and resources in both commercial and scientific research. The FLEX(TM) is an advanced re-configurable visualization solution for those whose viewing, collaboration, and presentation requirements cannot be met within the confines of a single visualization technology. The system is ideal for many applications in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering, architecture, socio-economic analysis, seismic interpretation and well planning, biotechnology research, manufacturing and design, fluid dynamics, and chemistry. With plans to open the facility before the end of February 2006, the FLEX(TM) at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is configured with two vertical walls and a floor to form the corner of a cube, while a third vertical wall moves at the press of a button to change the environment from an immersive room to an L-shaped theater type configuration enabling viewing by a large audience. Five workstations are linked together to form a powerful data processor and image generator. The four projectors used in the FLEX render 1400 x 1050 pixels each and have a very bright light output rated at 7200 ANSI lumens.

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