Integrating 3D Models Into PDF Documents

A new technology is being developed in Australia that will allow interactive 3D models to be intgerated into PDF documents.

Co-developer Christopher Fluke, an astronomer based at Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, said there was a trend away from physical, paper-based journals to fully online digital publications.

"In the past, the way you would have shared a 3D model is that you would either have to make a movie of it - so you might rotate that with one particular set of views, or you would have to present it as a series of individual images," Dr Fluke said.

"The problem there is that as the person creating those movies, or those images, you are making decisions about what you want the reader to see."

"So rather than seeing a static, single image of a 3D object, readers can click on the image, rotate it around, and view it from different angles, as well as zoom in and out," he said.

Source: thinkingaustralia.com

3Dwalkthroughs.com believes this technology could be a great way of delivering interactive 3D Renderings, 3D Walkthroughs and 3D Floor Plans to potential buyers. As a PDF document the files size would be considerably smaller than the current format of which these assets are delivered. In addition to smaller file sizes, users will be able to experience a much more interactive view of a property...hurry up and get here already!!

Worlds Largest Cinema Operator To Add 1500 3D Screens

According to an article in the NY Times, Regal, Americas largest cinema operator is added 1500 screens capable of showing 3D movies.

As many of the major movie studios plan on producing their new movies in 3D, this move only makes sense. Companies such as Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks just to name a few, have publicly stated that they are going to be focusing a majority of their production on 3D films in the coming year.

In addition to the sheer number of new 3D films, 3Dwalkthroughs.com expects there to be a boom in level of special effects and techniques that are integrated into these new 3D movies. With more people capable of viewing the movies in theaters coupled with the fact that this technology is not yet available in home theaters, 3D just may be the technology that puts butts back in theater seats...at least until home theater technology catches up.

DesignFlood.com - Cool Site of the Month

3Dwalkthroughs.com came across a really interesting site as we were doing our daily research. The site is called DesignFlood.com.

DESIGNFLOOD.com is a collection of unique, well-designed websites. Use these handpicked sites for inspiration, rate your favorites, or just kill some time looking at some pretty pictures.

Source: Designflood.com

If you have any interest at all in web design, flash design or even want to check out some sites with great 3D elements, you should check out this site.

Spending some time on the site is a great way to get ideas for new websites, brochures, marketing campaigns etc. We spent hours on the site yesterday and were only able to get through a few pages of sites they have listed.

A Business Guide To 3D Virtual Worlds

In a sign that the growing multiverse is attempting to be taken more seriously in the mainstream market as a real business tool, The Association of Virtual Worlds has just published the first Business Guide to Virtual Worlds. The guide lists over 30 virtual world solutions, vendors, or providers, for businesses and organizations.

"The Internet has changed the way businesses and organizations attract and educate customers, recruit and train their staffs and promote their brands, products and services," explains Dave Elchoness, Executive Director. "The next evolution of the Internet is Web 3D--an Internet that transforms the web from 'sites' to 'places' where users can 'see' each other, interact together, and experience products and services in 3D. An Internet where engagement feels like real life is rapidly taking shape. As a former global executive and HR attorney, I am passionate about the promise of web 3D and know that it will transform how business is done on many levels."

Source:PRweb.com

3Dwalkthroughs.com believes that it will take continued a continued effort by organizations such as The Association of Virtual Worlds to get the mainstream to adopt 3D Virtual applications as "real" business solutions.

We have found that many business leaders believe 3D virtual world technology is "cool" and valuable, but are somewhat hesistant to be the pioneers in the adoption of this technology.

We are confident that in a few years from now we will look back on the days when people actually believed 3D virtual world technology was not going to catch on in the mainstream market.

The free publications can be found here>>

Video Games and 3D Applications Trending Toward The Healthy Side

3Dwalkthroughs.com has been hearing a lot lately about how video games and 3D technologies are being used to help promote exercise and improve the way medical research is conducted.

There was a pretty detailed article on Smartmoney.com about a telenews event conducted by organizers of the Games for Health national conference (http://www.gamesforhealth.org) The article describes four major emerging trends that are utilizing video game and 3D technology. These include:
1) Exergaming kicking into high gear
2) Video games going into rehab and therapy
3) Major health care providers arriving on the scene
4) The rise of video games for first responders and medical professionals

Source: Smartmoney.com

At some point over the last year we have touched on how 3D technology would be utilized to support each of these trends. We will be making an announcement within the next four weeks about our forray into one of these trends...stay tuned.

Documentary Filmed Entirely in 3D Virtual World

"Molotov Alva and his Search for the Creator: A Second Life Odyssey" is the first documentary filmed entirely in the 3D virtual world of Second Life. The 30 minute movie will premier at 8 p.m. May 15 on Cinemax.

The documentary is created by filmmaker Douglas Gayeton who has previously created TV shows and video games. The series explores the adventures of Molotov Alva -- Gayeton's Second Life avatar, his personal journey through the alternate world of Second Life and the characters he meets along the way.

The "Molotov Alva" story is based in a 3D virtual world, and so is its distribution strategy. The film is being carried on several platforms: in addition to TV, it will be broadcast in Second Life itself (on the Cinemax Island located there), and on Cinemax.com.

Source: post-gazette.com

3Dwalkthroughs.com believes the documentary is going to be a very interesting look at what goes on in Second Life and will do a lot to promote 3D virtual worlds' functionality. Obviously we have not seen the movie yet, but if it is done well, it will probably entice a lot of new people to give 3D virtual worlds a try.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way – 3D Style

3Dwalkthroughs.com has seen an increase in the number of builder/developers contacting us to see if we could help them create their marketing materials. In spite of, or better yet, because of the current climate in the real estate industry, the need to market new properties are becoming increasingly more important.

There is a big misconception amongst developers that creating 3D Walkthroughs, 3D Renderings and 3D Floor Plans are too expensive to be considered for smaller developments.

While a 3 minute custom 3D Walkthrough might be a little too pricey for the smaller builder/developer, there are still many 3D assets that can be created even for a very modest budget. 3Dwalkthroughs.com prides itself on it’s ability to come up with a host of options to meet even the most modest of marketing budgets.

In the past, the creation of 3D assets was very expensive. The recent improvements in 3D modeling software has resulted in a significant decrease in the cost of 3D asset creation. We encourage any builder or developer in need of pre-sales marketing tools to contact us. We ask that you give us the opportunity to strategize options that will exceed your goals without exceeding your budget.

Samsung - 3D High Definition TV launched in Australia

Next month Samsung will unveil the first commercially available 3D enabled television in Australia.

The brand new technology has been built into a 1080p full high-definition plasma television manufactured by Samsung which can display 3D movies, games and internet content when connected to a PC.

The technology requires the use of special glasses to deliver the full 3D effect.
The PC, which must be connected to the television, helps the device to interpret the 3D graphics and coordinates communication with the glasses.

With a lot of the major movie networks recently stating their plans to create many of their new movies in a 3D format, Samsung's 3D TV is sure to be a hot seller.

Manufacturers such as Philips are also working on 3D television technologies that do away with need for glasses altogether, to simplify the viewing experience for consumers.

Image and Date Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

3Dwalkthroughs.com is hopeful that this same 3D technology will soon be unveiled in the United States. Perhaps our next movie will be in 3D...American Cannibal 2 in 3D.

Prime Sense - Giving Digital Devices a 3D View of the World

3Dwalkthroughs.com came across an article about a Tel Aviv based company, Prime Sense, that just raised $20.4 million dollars in a second round of financing.

Israel-based Prime Sense is developing what it says is low-cost 3D vision technology that will "enable intuitive full body interaction for gaming, gesture based interface and background replacement for video communication/chat and self generated content applications."

"In the years since the mouse was introduced, the complexity of consumer devices has evolved dramatically. In comparison, user interfaces remained under developed. Prime Sense's technology propels user interfaces straight into the future," said Prime Sense president Aviad Maizels.

Source: dmwmedia.com

Some of the initial applications that 3D Vision is being developed for includes:
- Video Games
- Consumer Electronics
- Home Training and Fitness
- Video Communication
- Security
- Surveillance
- Automotive
- Safety

We believe this technology can also be used to move towards building a truly Interactive 3D Walkthrough. Imagine a viewer actually being able to manipulate objects in a scene just by moving their hands or feet.

As this technology evolves it might eventually replace the need for building a model home altogether...or not.

38 High Rock - 3D Walkthrough and 3D Renderings Now Available

3Dwalkthroughs.com is excited to announce that the developers of 38 High Rock Condominiums in Saratoga Springs, New York have launched their new website...the website features our 3D Walkthrough and 3D Renderings.

Saratoga Springs, NY, is probably best known for it's historic springs and legendary race track which draws thousands of people during the racing season.

38 High Rock Condominium is a first of its kind for Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area. Featuring 45 luxury condominium residences, 38 High Rock sits adjacent to the neighboring 123-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel (under separate ownership than the condominium).

Condominium residents will have access to the same amenities as hotel guests,
including concierge and housekeeping services*, and aquatic and fitness facilities** while maintaining exclusive elevator access and indoor parking within a secured garage.

Source: 38 High Rock Website

From the minute we started working with the 38 High Rock team we knew this project was special. The attention to detail that was put into every brick went beyond many of the other projects we have been involved with.

It is a nice feeling when the first thing people say after seeing the 3D Walkthrough presentation and 3D Renderings is "When Can I Move In?". We highly recommend checking out their website, even better, purchasing a unit.

Nassau Physicians Foundation

3Dwalkthroughs.com's Interactive Services partner Launchsight Solutions is proud to announce the launch of the Nassau Physician's Foundation website.

The Nassau Physicians Foundation was started by Dr. Bilha Fish, founder of the Pathways Women's Health. PWH was established as a division of Manhasset Diagnostic Imaging in 1995, and due to its success has recently relocated to a new 7500 square foot contiguous facility.

About The Nassau Physicians Foundation
Nassau Physicians Foundation was founded approximately four years ago by Bilha Chesner Fish, M.D.

NPF exists to provide a stimulating environment for physicians who are drawing strength from their passion and who are willing to enrich each other’s lives. We are partners with the community in which we live and are committed to donating our time and expertise to educational and charitable endeavors. We pledge to be proactive to pertinent and current health issues.

Within the past four years, NWPF has held three fundraisers benefiting Cardiac Research for Women, Stroke Research for Women, and most recently, Alzheimer’s Research. The honorees have been some of the most respected and renowned physicians in the respective areas of specialization: Dr. Nieca Goldberg, Dr. Ralph Sacco and Dr. Tanja Rundek, and Dr. Richard Mayeux and Dr. Karen Marder. As a new organization, we are proud to have raised a signi-ficant amount of funds that were directed to medical research. For our 2008 fundraising gala, we have collaborated with the American Cancer Society and are very enthusiastic about this endeavor. Dr. Bilha Chesner Fish has been named the recipient of the Humanitarian Award and both Drs. Conte and Sullivan will be the recipients of Physicians of Distinction. The gala will be held May 30, 2008.

In conjunction with their commitment to the community, NPF also participates in Pathways Women’s Health Complimentary Seminar Series in offering Medical lectures as a community service. Initiated twelve years ago by Dr. Bilha Fish, Director of Pathways and President of NPF, the community service program was the first of its kind on Long Island offerred by a private practi-tioner. The basis of the program is to provide accurate medical information with which individuals can make informed choices. Given the changes in health insurance resulting in abbreviated contact with physicians, these seminars present a unique opportunity for individuals to gain a greater understanding of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various medical conditions. This program is extremely valued by the community it serves and has been hailed for its contribution to health education by such organizations as the Town of Hempstead, About Face, Nassau County League of Women Voters, NOW, and Working Women magazine.

Additionally, the organization participated in the petition to Congress to extend a woman’s hospital stay following mastectomy surgery. They intend to remain pro-active in health issues.

The goal of Nassau Physicians Foundation is to offer more extensive community service programs that focus on all aspects of health and address prevention, diagnosis and the latest treatment options to assist individuals in making informed choices. In addition to this Cardiovascular Health Fair a second program, chaired by Dr. Rory Breidbart, will be held on Sunday, 21 September focusing on Diabetes, Obesity, and Bariatrics.

Source: Nassau Physicians Website

3D Virtual Venues - Is Your Demographic Ready For It?

3Dwalkthroughs.com has been having discussions with decision makers spanning many industries. The conversations have been focused on our 3D Virtual Venue product, specifically what objections might prevent a company from investing in this cutting edge 3D technology.

It has become clear to us that THE biggest deciding factor whether a company will embrace a 3D Virtual Venue is the demographic in which they operate. Older demographics that have trouble navigating the most basic computer operations have been the most reluctant to realize the potential that 3D virtual venue technology offers.

By way of contrast, we have found that demographics which grew up in the internet age, or even a few years after, have been very interested in the features of our 3D virtual venue technology. In many cases this demographic has even suggested many interesting applications we did not think of ourselves.

As we get ready to officially launch our 3D Virtual Venue platform it will be interesting to see which companies move forward with an investment in the short term, and which companies wait for other to take the leap before dipping their toe in the 3D waters.

The April "This Has Absolutely Nothing To Do With 3D" post

Every once in a while 3Dwalkthroughs.com come across an interesting website or application that is worth mentioning, even though it does not necessarily have anything to do with 3D.

Due to some scheduling conflicts my wife and I were not able to watch the latest episode of our favorite show "The Office". After speaking with a few friends they mentioned a new site that allowed us to download and watch the entire show right from our computer...ENTER HULU.COM

We have posted the full episode above for anyone that is interested.


ABOUT HULU
At Hulu, you'll find a vast selection of premium programming: full episodes of hit TV shows, full-length movies, clips, news stories, sports games, and more. We partner with some of the largest content providers in the industry including Fox, NBC Universal, Sony, Warner Bros., MGM, the NBA, Lionsgate, FX, E! Entertainment, Bravo, National Geographic, and USA Networks.

Hulu offers full episodes and clips from current primetime shows –for example, Family Guy, 30 Rock, The Office, House, The Simpsons, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Friday Night Lights – as well as a massive selection of TV classics, from Arrested Development and Firefly to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Miami Vice, Roswell and many more. Our movie library will include full-length movies from The Usual Suspects, Ice Age, and Point Break to Some Like It Hot, In Her Shoes, and Me, Myself and Irene, as well as hundred of clips from classic movies such as Aliens, Die Hard, Little Miss Sunshine, Napoleon Dynamite, and Vertigo.

Source: Hulu.com website

Among many other benefits of this type of service, it is great for keeping occupied while you are on the road. As long as you can get an internet connection you will have something to watch. Check it out!!

Hands Free Interaction in 3D Virtual Worlds?

Creator of Second Life creator and designer of spreadsheet software Lotus 1-2-3, Mitch Kapor, is experimenting with a new hands-free way to interact with 3D Virtual World Second Life using a clever 3D camera and complex motion-tracking software.

The hands free interactivity involves using a 3D camera and software that can determine where your arms and legs are located in 3D space. The software can also detect your facial expressions, translating that into corresponding actions on your in-game avatar.

Just like navigating a Segway, leaning forward, backward or from side to side steers you around, and there’s also a group of gestures for flying. The image above shows an example of the movement required for an avatar to take off and fly.

Source:dvice.com

3Dwalkthroughs.com believes that hands free interaction in 3D virtual worlds will pave the way for a whole new generation of users and applications. As an example, I believe we are a few years away from being able to launch 3D virtual exercise clases where the instructor is represented by a master instructor avatar.

For a YouTube video demonstrating Mitch Kapor's hands free interaction click here>>

First 70+ day of the season...Time To Renew Your Property Marketing Efforts

3Dwalkthroughs.com is based in New York City, about two blocks from the famous Madison Square Garden. The location is great as we are only a hop skip and train ride from any area in the city. One of the nicest times of the year to be in New York City is the Spring.

Today, the weather inched above the 70 degree mark for the first time of the season. It is amazing how fast New Yorkers break out their summer clothes as soon it gets a little warm.

Along with the change of clothing brought by the warmer weather, a change in attitude is also noticeable. People tend to be a little friendlier and the city gets a renewed sense of energy.

Another change which comes as a result of the nicer weather is an increased desire to get out and start home shopping. During the spring it is easier to get around and homes tend to look a lot nicer with the flowers in full bloom.

While this year might prove to be a little different, home sellers that make use of innovative property marketing tools such as 3D Floor Plans, 3D Renderings and 3D Walkthroughs stand a much better chance of getting noticed in such a competitive real estate market.

3D Holographic Video Launched In US Retail Outlets

3Dwalkthroughs.com came across a very cool use of 3D technology that has been launched in retail outlets in the United States.

Provision Interactive Technologies, implements its patented Holo 3D technology into Kiosks which project full color, high resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without any special glasses. The 3DEO Reward Centers are available in a large and a small version. The large version is equipped with a 40-inch 3D holographic display and dual touchscreens, while the smaller centers have a 17-inch 3D holographic display and a single touchscreen.

Source: selfservice.org

The flash demo on Provision Interactive technologies website gives a very good example of how their technology is used to captivate consumers by projecting objects in immersive 3D. Currently the technology is available on the west coast but it is probably just a matter of time before it hits the east coast. It will be interesting to see other applications for this technology aside from just retail outlets.

Imagine walking into a sales office of a new property and seeing a 3D walkthrough of a property that literally is suspended in mid-air.

About Provision Interactive Technologies
Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc. ("Provision") develops 3D interactive display technologies for a wide array of market channels.

The futuristic nature of Provision has created several early commercial applications. The Company's initial line of display systems has proven to be ideally suited for indoor and outdoor point-of-sale, merchandising and point of sale related advertising venues. Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by leading consumer focused Fortune 1000 companies.

Our interactive display technologies deliver images that engage and inform customers at point of sale and in-store advertising locations in a dramatic and persuasive manner, thereby influencing customers in their purchase-making decisions.

Source: provisionentertainment.com

Landprint.com - 3D Physical Models Of Any Landscape

3Dwalkthroughs.com came across a pretty interesting service launched by Landprint.com. LandPrint.com's new service creates 3D physical models of any landscape on the planet. The models are created using the 3D printing technology of the Z Corporation

LandPrint.com gets its digital terrain data from NASA and the US Geological Survey, and will soon incorporate street, building and other data from additional third parties, making the site a powerful tool for professionals like architects, contractors and civil engineers.

"We help consumers capture the landscape they yearn to remember and professionals visualize the terrain that looks so nondescript in their blueprints," said Tom Gaskins, CEO of LandPrint.com, based in Redmond, Wash.

"Together with Z Corporation, we are taking raw geospatial data and turning it into something they can savor and understand at a much deeper level. Z Corporation 3D printers offer a superior blend of speed, color, resolution, and affordability, so they were the obvious -- rather, the only -- choice for us."

Source: Earthtimes.org

The 3D models created by Landprint.com are relatively inexpensive and we envision they will eventually be used by property developers in their sales offices.

ThinkWare's 3D Navigation System - Making It Impossible To Get Lost?

Based on the direction that navigation systems are heading, soon we might not need to look out of the windshield to see where we are going...well, not exactly, but close.

A new 3D navigation system has hit the market in Korea by a company called ThinkWare. The navigation system features highly detailed 3D maps that show every imaginable aspect of the travelled route.

Thinkware's iNAVI K2 boasts a 7-inch 800 x 600 resolution touchscreen, DMB TV tuner, 500MHz processor, picture-in-picture support, integrated media player and AV input. You'll also find a headphone jack, USB port, built-in antenna, SD expansion slot, stereo speakers and some form of karaoke game -- which is likely worth the price of admission alone.

Source: Engadget.com

Unfortunately it does not appear like Thinkware's device will be available any time soon in the United States. With that being said, 3Dwalkthroughs.com is pretty confident that it is just a matter of time before a similar 3D technology is developed and made available here in America.

3Dwalkthroughs.com in Germany

3Dwalkthroughs.com arrived in Munich, Germany about 4pm and we headed straight to the main shopping area immediately after checking into our hotel. Munich was much more modern than the other cities we visited and actually reminded us of certain areas of London. The makeup of the stores as well as the diversity of the people walking around was what you might expect in Picadilly Circus in London.

After a good night’s sleep we took a bus tour around Munich and visited certain notable landmarks such as BMW’s world headquarters and museum (pictured above), as well as the Olympic Stadium which the movie Munich was based on.

The second part of the day included a very powerful visit to Dachaus. Dachaus was the first concentration camp built by the Nazi’s and served as a model for all of the other concentration camps. Needless to say it was overwhelming and very emotional.

This concludes the diversion from our normal 3D posts as we head back to New York tomorrow morning. We hoped our play by play of our trip through Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Munich was somewhat enjoyable and informative.

3Dwalkthroughs.com Heads To Prague

After leaving Budapest, 3Dwalkthroughs.com headed off to our next stop in Europe which is Prague. I must say it is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The castles, churches and other buildings dotting the landscape are beyond belief.

One of the most noteworthy castles which we actually were able to go in, was the Prague Castle. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is one of the largest continuous castle complexes in the world. It comprises an extensive group of palaces and church buildings in various architectural styles, from 10th Century Romanesque buildings to the newest modifications of the late 20th Century.

The picture above shows a view from one of the entrances, taken from the ground up. The interior of the castle was breathtaking although we were not allowed to take photos. Our next and last stop on our European tour is Germany.