Subject: VPL Microcosm at Macworld
From: [email-masked] (4th Wave, John Latta,PAS)
Date: 22 Jan 92 04:26 GMT
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds

VRL provided the first public demonstration of the MicroCosm(TM)
virtual reality system in a hotel suite at the San Francisco
Mariott during Macworld from 13 - 15 Janaury. It sets a new
price performance mark for complete VR systems.
 
The host processor is a Macintosh Quadra 900. The central
hardware component is the VR Graphics Accelerator(TM) which
includes for each eye an Intel i860, a Toshiba Polygon processor
and Inmos Transputer. The audio is handled by a DSP processor
while the an 80186(2?) is used for tracking the head and glove.
This box is a slender (appx. 2") vertical cabinet which stands
about 24" tall. At the top is an appendage which does the
magnetic tracking. The coverage is limited to approximately 3'
from the VR Graphics Accelerator. VPL claimed that this system
has graphics power equivalent to the original RB2 system. It was
also stated that the Accelerator has more power than a SGI Indigo.
 
Another component of the system is a new EyePhone called the XVR.
It is unique due to the opera glass type design. It is configured
for ease of on - off use. If required, the EyePhones can be worn
as with the other models. As stated by VPL, this system is designed
for ease of entry and exit from the virtual worlds. To hold the
EyePhone to the face there is a handle which also functions as
a zoom controller. The number of display elements is 442 X 238
(total display pixels). The system will not support texture maps -
at least initially.
 
The system can also be operated in a network configuration. The limits
of the number that can be supported vary with the complexity of
the shared space. It is estimated that the system could support from
4 to 8 participants.
 
The sound for the system is based on Convolvotron (TM) technology
which provides for realistic sound localzation. The VPL name for
this technology is CosmTron (TM). Only one 3D sound can be handled
at a time, however, multiple non-3D sounds can be supported.
 
There are three software components: MicroCosm Swivel (TM),
Body Electric (TM) and Isaac (TM). The basic space modeling is done
in MicroCosm Swivel. VPL showed how easily the space could
be modified in real time during the demonstration.
 
The unit will ship in February. A complete system, including the
Quadra sells for $58,000 and $51,000 without the Quadra.
 
The demonstration was quite significant, given the price point.
VPL has introduced VR at a new price level that combines its
experience with existing technology. The major question remains -
is their a sufficient market, in non-R&D use, to permit VR to grow?
MicroCosm will certainly test the elasticity of what market
exists today.