News Stories

Want interactive learning? Forget the Smartboard. Consider 3D!

5.16.2012

[The Innovative Educator]

… Unlike expensive Smartboard technology, which claims to be interactive, but actually promotes poor pedagogy, Gaia 3D provides true interactivity and engagement. It can be used in virtually any content area with libraries in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Physical Education, English and more. What’s more, labels, signs, identifiers, artifacts, and audio can be added in any language desired.  The interactivity comes from the ability of the user to literally choose their own discovery and adventure, add and create their own content. One of the newest innovations is that it is partnering with Xbox Kinect so students’ can actually see their effect on the environment or objects. For those who can’t leave the board behind, Gaia 3D can be integrated with that as well.
Teachers using the technology report students are on task, excited, and engaged. They report that it makes difficult concepts much easier to understand and …
Read the full story here;

Augmented Reality escapes apps for mobile browser

5.16.2012

[SlashGear]

Augmented reality is set to escape apps and arrive in the browser, according to industry stalwarts, Wikitude, which has a new version of its AR technology that does away with siloed apps. Wikitude AR Window allows webpage developers to access the camera on a smartphone or tablet and display a live view from it, complete with real-time overlays of relevant information, something that would previously have required a separate download.

Although augmented reality apps are beginning to flourish, with a number of different systems from Wikitude, Qualcomm and others competing to power the market, so far each deployment has required its own, individual app. AR window, however, opens up mediation apps in the browser to the device’s camera and sensors, meaning webpages know where the user is, what they’re facing and when, and can insert new information accordingly.

Wikitude’s new SDK for AR window is available for Android and iOS, and is available from free for non-commercial products. One significant advantage for developers is that they may no longer need to code a different app for each platform, only cook up a single mobile webpage.

Augmented reality has made headlines in recent weeks after Google demonstrated its Project Glass research, a wearable computer that can overlay digital information on top of a real-world view. More on AR in our full round-up.

See the original post here: http://www.slashgear.com/augmented-reality-escapes-apps-for-mobile-browser-16228607/

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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