SCIENCE

Fakespace Systems Inc. announced that it provided the new state-of-the-art 3D immersive virtual reality theater for The British Museum. The stereoscopic visualization system is the centerpiece for a new exhibition titled, “Mummy: The Inside Story,” that takes visitors through an extraordinary virtual reality presentation where they will be able to experience the “virtual unwrapping” and exploration of the 3,000 year old untouched body of Nesperennub, a priest from the temple of Khons who lived in 800 BC. Using leading edge virtual reality display technology and the latest in medical scanning techniques, the British Museum reveals the mysteries of Nespernnub’s mummy non-invasively, without opening the case and disturbing the carefully arranged wrappings and amulets. In what is a world’s first, the Museum is taking visitors on a unique journey of discovery, exploring the lives of ancient Egyptians, and allowing visitors to see beneath the wrapping of the mummy. Teaming up with computer specialists Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) to develop the virtual reality solution, Fakespace designed a custom 112 seat immersive theater featuring a 12’h x 42’w curved screen along with the stereoscopic projection equipment. Wearing polarized 3D glasses, visitors can take a spectacular 20-minute virtual tour of the mummy’s body where they will learn about ancient Egyptian preservation methods and rituals, as well as experience how Nesperennub would have lived. Noted British actor Sir Ian McKellen narrates the entire experience. The exhibit also features the real-life mummy on display in its coffin along with numerous artifacts presented in 3D that are representative of the time period. The exhibition at the British Museum will run from 1 July 2004 until January of 2005. For more information on “Mummy: The Inside Story” go to www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk, and for more information on Fakespace Systems and immersive visualization systems visit www.fakespace.com.