VISUALIZATION

Fakespace Systems Inc., the world leader in immersive visualization, today unveiled the Fakespace Interaction Engine (F.I.E.), an integrated hardware and software services solution. F.I.E. offers superior collaboration capabilities for engineers, designers and researchers working within visualization environments because it is the only interaction system that can simultaneously bring together multiple computing platforms and applications to provide a truly seamless working environment with expanded options for interaction. F.I.E. is a computer/hardware and software system that acts as a connectivity hub between visualization displays and computing platforms. The base solutions will allow creation of scripts that can direct any applications and computers across one or more displays from PowerWalls to multi-channel CAVEs. For example, one click can start a specific application on a computer and configure a CAVE and all input devices to suit a specific user's requirements. This may often eliminate dependence on a "behind-the-scenes" administrator giving users easier access to data. F.I.E. also offers a series of user selectable, software-based interaction tools that can be added to the base F.I.E. computer or as extensions on the host computer(s) including: -- FIE PCTools makes it possible to use any PC-style interaction device, such as joysticks, with any operating system to manipulate the data in an immersive environment. -- FIE WebMaster is a user programmable, web-based GUI for easy triggering of scripted commands. WebMaster also allows users to control the mouse position on any display(s), in any application(s), across multiple platforms. -- FIE 3DTools enables six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) interaction in many software applications that are currently not compatible with industry-standard software but are compatible with LogiCAD 3D(TM). LogiCAD 3D protocols are resident in almost all graphical and 3D software. The 3D motion capabilities allowed by LogiCAD can be made compatible with advanced motion tracking systems and other 3D interactive devices such as gloves or wands. -- FIE Voice provides voice command control for any application in place of mouse/keyboard control. FIE Voice can also enable 3D navigation of models with commands such as "Rotate Left" or "Move Away From Me". -- FIE IN (Interaction Network) is a series of tools that can enable interaction with and between visualization systems. Devices such as PDA's, tablet PC's and laptops can be used as input tools on the main computer(s) driving the visualization displays. Snapshots of one or more displayed images can be taken at full resolution for archiving or near-real-time sharing with remote locations. Images on one user's computer, for example a laptop, can be displayed on any platform connected to larger visualization systems making data presentation easier. FIE's capabilities make it easy for work groups to share or use multiple input devices and collaborate in real-time. FIE also broadens the choice of interactive tools that can be used in any environment. "Collaboration and intuitive interaction with applications are key components of immersive visualization solutions. F.I.E. lets organizations that use visualization include interaction in their workflow more quickly by helping to minimize hardware and software integration issues," said Dr. Chris Clover, president and chief executive officer of Fakespace Systems Inc. "Not all software packages allow for natural interaction devices and motion tracking, and not all input devices operate with all computing platforms. F.I.E. breaks down the barriers between devices, software and computers providing users with unprecedented power to work with their data, resulting in improved productivity." Fakespace has already started to deliver F.I.E. solutions. Pricing and lead-time varies depending on user requirements and selected options. More information on F.I.E. is available at www.fakespace.com.