Virtual Reality & Digital Integrated Media @ tic

Virtual Reality & Digital Integrated Media

Television studio with virtual studio set capabilities. Virtual sets seamlessly integrate live presenters and actors with 3D, computer-generated environments. Using a variety of multimedia tools we can produce exciting graphics and 3D models and directly import the computer-generated visuals into the virtual studio operating software.

"When you have a feeling of presence in a living, populated synthetic environment, which you can move around and interact with things and others, you are in virtual reality."

Although virtual reality might not have lived up to the initial hype of the early nineties, many of the technologies that contribute to VR are becoming useful in a range of application domains. In particular 3D modelling and animation are big business in film and television productions and computer games.

Here at the tic we have facilities to produce and present truly immersive VR, but we are also working to integrate these technologies with other media. In particular we have a television studio with virtual studio set capabilities. Virtual sets seamlessly integrate live presenters and actors with 3D, computer-generated environments.

Using a variety of multimedia tools we can produce exciting graphics and 3D models and directly import the computer-generated visuals into the virtual studio operating software. Eye-catching animations and special effects integrate seamlessly with the live actors, who can move freely around virtual 3D objects.

We also host a BT Avatar Booth, this facility allows a person to enter a booth and within minutes have a 3d model of the person is generated. This model can then be imported into games or other virtual worlds including virtual studio sets.

We also have hardware and software to create fully immersive or desktop virtual reality worlds and applications.

Business Solutions
Use of virtual reality and digital integrated media can aid businesses in a number of ways:

Will effect large savings when virtual environments are appreciably cheaper than physical realisation

When real environments could be hazardous to user or to actors within the environment

Environments that are not physically realizable or feasible

Use of pseudo 3D and physical environments to aid understanding of abstract, conceptual or mathematical domains

We have the capabilities to create virtual worlds for applications ranging from walkthroughs of buildings to the creation of interactive systems.

We have developed a number of sample walkthroughs of buildings and proposed facilities such Simtex.

We have worked on an industry project for the creation of a prototype car driving simulator.

We have been part of an EU Fifth Framework Project " Virtual Jewellery Supply Chain " where we have created 3D jewellery components that can be customised over the internet.

Learning
Virtual Reality and Digital Integrated Media feature strongly in the BSc Multimedia Technology, which includes two modules on 3D Animation and Virtual Reality. Virtual Studio techniques feature strongly within the Msc in Digital Television Technology and Production. The tic can offer short courses in these technologies to match individual business requirements.

Clients