New browser plug-in Webvue 3D for real-time animation

Atlanta 09 Aug 99 Giant Studios, the fast-track animation consortium, announced the availability of its new Internet browser plugin, WebVue 3D. The new software breaks the barrier of real-time interactivity in the transmission and viewing of animation data and imagery.

Director of Research and Development, Matt Madden, is enthusiastic about its potential. "Interactivity is the key. The exciting thing is that with WebVue 3D, you don't have to have a supercomputer to experience seamless interaction. If you can bring up the Internet, you can download the player and participate interactively during the production process from any location."

WebVue 3D allows directors and producers who cannot be on set during motion capture/performance animation sessions to actually direct the characters as they are evolving from any remote site. This instant feedback means changes and adjustments can be made in real time, eliminating costly delays and creative compromises. Animation in progress can also be viewed with WebVue 3D. "The origin of the motion doesn't matter," explains Madden. "It could be a team of animators, it could be motion capture -- the source is irrelevant. WebVue 3D ensures that information gets sent in an efficient manner and that you can view it easily."

The actual models are sent over the Internet to the remote computer and downloaded. The process takes only a few minutes and is a one-time operation. After that, motion information required to make the model move is sent periodically as the character or scene is developed. The motion streaming takes up a very small amount of bandwidth, leaving room for other elements to be sent that improve the animation.

Giant has designed WebVue 3D to accommodate even the slowest server and for use on any type of computer. "It will get through the weakest link inthe chain and it's operating system-independent," says Madden. A 2D version of WebVue is currently in development.

At this time, the WebVue plugin is available to Giant's clients and partners as a service offering only.

Giant Studios was formed to introduce the most intuitive and technologically advanced performance animation solutions to the entertainment market. Giant Studios holds the worldwide license for the Biomechanics Inc. MotionReality(TM) motion capture system for use in feature films, commercial advertising, broadcasting, animation, games, location-based entertainment, Internet content and other entertainment-related media. Giant is setting the industry standard for motion capture and performance animation.

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