Lab puts NZ at forefront of virtual reality projects

By ADAM GIFFORD

New Zealand is set to become a leader in the new field of "augmented reality", finding ways to use virtual reality technology in real-world applications.

But the man behind Canterbury University's new Human Interface Technology Laboratory, virtual reality pioneer Professor Tom Furness, says the Government, industry and universities must change the way they operate if the ventures and others like it are to reach their potential.

HIT Lab New Zealand is an offshoot of HIT Lab US at the University of Washington in Seattle, which Furness set up in 1989 after 23 years working as a military scientist for the United States Air Force designing display systems for fighter cockpits.

He left the military after the public response to media stories about his virtual reality "super-cockpit" showed him there was demand for civilian applications of the technology.

Furness said HIT Lab US had so far raised US$30 million ($55 million) for its research and spun off 23 companies.

Underpinning its work is the Virtual Worlds Consortium.

Through the consortium, companies can form alliances with other members, engage in projects with the HIT Lab and get the first chance to license technology developed at the lab.

The Christchurch lab is building a similar consortium, including New Zealand companies Allied Telesyn and Trimble Navigation.

Seattle's sister city relationship with Christchurch opened the door for the new lab, which is a joint venture between the University of Washington, the University of Canterbury and the Canterbury Development Corporation.

The director of HIT Lab NZ is Dr Mark Billinghurst, a New Zealander who has just completed his PhD in electrical engineering under Furness' supervision.

As part of his thesis, Billinghurst invented the Magic Book, an animated book that comes to life when viewed through a head-mounted display unit. Furness said Billinghurst was one of the HIT Lab's star students and was offered jobs by some of America's largest technology companies.

Instead, Furness convinced him to return home to head the new lab.

"This is a chance to change things, especially in a country where you can trial some new fields," Furness said.

The Seattle lab has a strong hardware focus, including the development of retinal display systems and new scanning tools for surgery.

Furness expects that Billinghurst's expertise in augmented reality will mean the Christchurch lab will be more software-focused.

"Applications will drive this. There are people all over the world downloading our Augmented Reality Toolkit software, which we provide for free for people to play with and see what they can do with it," he said.

Furness said universities could become economic engines, but that would require major change.

There is a big gulf between universities and industry," he said.

"Government could stimulate interaction between universities and industry by changing the tax law.

"I believe there should be a tax credit of 150 per cent for money donated to universities. There is also a need for tax benefits for research and development investment by companies.

"Universities need to change the way they work. They need to invite in these industrial fellows and work on projects that industry is sponsoring."

HIT Lab New Zealand