UniServices to host SGI virtual reality centre

By ADAM GIFFORD

Potential users of virtual reality technology will get the chance for a hands-on experience in Auckland next month.

UniServices, the company set up to find commercial outlets for Auckland University research, will host a demonstration of a SGI virtual reality centre.

Chief executive Dr John Kernohan said UniServices wanted to set up a permanent centre at the university, but needed to be assured there would be enough private sector users to help pay the $3 million cost.

"We need to know we can get income of about $1.5 million a year before we can go ahead," Kernohan said.

The demonstration is partly funded by merchant bank ABN Ambro, which is prepared to lend the money to buy a centre.

"It is difficult to describe to clients what virtual reality centres are like," Kernohan said.

"People need to see them in action."

He said the Auckland City Council and Infrastructure Auckland were seen as potential customers because of the technology's proven ability in helping to visualise large infrastructure projects.

It would not be difficult to create an electronic model of the city, in which planned new buildings could be inserted so people could see their impact on the surroundings.

"Architects and engineers are trained to see things off plans, but this sort of visual technology can help lay people understand," said Kernohan.

Other potential users include manufacturing and design firms, biomedical companies, architects and engineers.

University research groups are keen to get time on the system, and UniServices believes having a centre will help it to create further links with the business sector.

SGI country manager Mike Murphy said the system, which will be demonstrated at the Auckland Club throughout next month, included an 8-processor SGI Onyx graphics supercomputer, three projectors and a 150-degree screen.

Demonstrations would be limited to groups of about 12 people.

"The idea is to really immerse you in the data.

"We are projecting onto a curved screen, so it takes in peripheral vision as well as what you see directly in front of you."

Murphy said demonstrations could range from architectural walk-throughs to looking at the designs of cellphones or cars.



"Here you can put all the data in the system and navigate through it in 3D in real time.

"It also helps in collaborative decision-making when you try to bring people together from a number of disciplines and skill sets."