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1. Cardiff University, Dept. of Psychology
6. Hewlett Packard Laboratories
8. Leicester University, Psychology Dept.
9. Loughborough University, AVRRC
10. Loughborough University, Civil Engineering
12. Nortel
13. Nottingham University, CIMI
14. Nottingham University, CRG
15. Nottingham University, VIRART (Man. Eng)
16. Nottingham University, VISAGE (Geog.)
17. Open University
18. Plymouth University, Art and Design
30. Virtuality Ltd.
31. Warwick University, Space Physics
The "List of Respondents" section serves as a linked index to the following list of individual responses and preceeds this section.
Group Name: Cardiff University
Address: School of Psychology, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 901, Cardiff, CF1 3YG
E-mail: Ruddle@Cardiff.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1222 874000 xt 5030
Fax: +44 (0) 1222 874858
WWW: http://www.cf.ac.uk/psych/ruddle
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Psychology; Human Factors
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; Division; PC; Apple Mac
Tracking Systems: Polhemus, TCAS Datawear
Displays: Immersive HMD (Stereo); VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm Devices; Pointing Devices
Auditory Interfaces: Fully equipped; digital sound laboratory
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/DVIS; In-house System
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 monthths: None
Major focus of VR work: Human Factors/HCI
Collaborations with others: CNRS, Marseille - VE Navigation
Application areas: CAD/CAM; Education Training; Low level human factors research of a generic
nature
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Datapath Ltd.
Address: Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4AD
E-mail: sales@realimation.com
Tel: +44 01332 294441
Fax: +44 01332 290667
WWW: http://www.realimation.com/
Type of Organistaion: Software vendor/manufacturer
Number of People in Group: 40 worldwide/ 25 UK
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Company
Computing Platforms: PC
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD Mono and Stereo; Large screen/projection systems; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Pointing Devices; Joystick/ Space Ball
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; MultiGen; 3D Studio; Max/ MicroStation
VR Authoring Software Packages: RealiMation
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 monthths: None
Major focus of VR work: Software Development
Collaborations with others: None
Application areas: Information visualisation; Medical Simulation; CAD/CAM; Education; Training;
Architecture; Construction
We provide the tools for people in these industries to use VR and Vis Sim
in real life applications and environments
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes.
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: Yes.
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: RealiMation is available now
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Additional Information: These answers may seem a little bit strange. We are not a research group.
Rather we are a commercial company developing and publishing a set of tools
for those people who want to develop their own 3D applications whatever
the target market whether itís Vis Sim/ VR/Games/Multimedia/ 3D Internet
... therefore we don't quite fit the category the questionnaire has been
aimed at. If there are any questions or I can be of any further assistance
please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Jo Rice Tel: 01332 294441
Group Name: Imaging and Displays Research Group
Address: Dept of Computer Science, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester,
LE1 9BH
E-mail: cph@dmu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 116 2577498
Fax: +44 (0) 116 2541891
WWW: http://www.cms.dmu.ac.uk/Research/IDRG/
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Human Factors; Mathematics; Engineering
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 7 yrs
Sources of funding: University and Comapany
Computing Platforms: 2 x Virtuality Elysium immersive systems
Tracking systems: Polhemus; Ultrasonic
Displays: Immersive HMD (Mono); Immersive HMD (Stereo); Shutter Glasses; VDU/Desktop;
prototype auto-stereoscopic display; Liquid Crystal Shutter (not glasses);
scanning-slit parallactiscope
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm Devices; Pointing Devices; spaceball; SMI eye-tracker
VR Authoring Software Packages: VRML; Renderware
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: None
Major focus of VR work: Human Factors/HCI; Stereo display technology; Eye-tracking
Collaborations with others: Dept. of Human Sciences, Loughborough (Eye-tracking and novel input devices);
Virtuality (immersive VRML)
Application areas: Information visualisation; 3D Television
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: University of Essex
Address: Dept Electronic Systems Engineering, Wivenhoe Park Colchester, Essex CO4
3SQ
E-mail: alien@essex.ac.uk
Tel: 01206 872432
Fax: 01206 872900
WWW: http://esewww.essex.ac.uk/~alien/
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Psychology
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC
Tracking systems: Vision-based
Displays: Immersive HMD (mono and stereo); Projection system; Shutter Glasses; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/arm devices; Pointing devices; Gestures
Motion Devices: Passive Motion Interface; Vision-based tracking
VR Authoring Software Packages: DIVE; VRML; In-house system
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, additional PCs, HMDs
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Computer vision; image analysis and processing
Collaborations with others: BT -- VRML browser using multicasting for shared VEs; local archaeological
groups for reconstruction of Roman Colchester
Application areas: Information visualisation; Education; Architecture; Virtual heritage; Shared
virtual environments
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: 1-2 years
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Virtual Manufacturing Unit
Address: Dept. of Mech. & Chem. Eng., Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh,
EH14 4AS
E-mail: R.Dewar@hw.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 131 4495111 xt 4734
Fax: +44 (0) 0131 4513129
WWW: http:// www.hw.ac.uk/mecWWW/research/r_vr1.htm
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Engineering
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Division; Other UNIX workstation (Sun, DEC etc.); HP
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (Stereo); VDU/Desktop
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio; Pro Engineer
VR Authoring Software Packages: Division DVS/DVIS
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes. Worksations; software; HMD; gloves
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Human Factors
Collaborations with others: None
Application areas: Information visualisation; CAD/CAM; Assembly; Cable harness design
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Keryx Distributed Virtual Environment Group
Address: Hewlett Packard Laboratories, Bristol, Filton Road, Bristol, BS12 6QZ
E-mail: Rycharde Hawkes (rjh@hplb.hpl.hp.com, xt 28487),
Colin Low (cal@hplb.hpl.hp.cpm, st 28264),
Laurent Barbarit (lbt@hplb.hpl.hp.com, xt 28248),
Mike Wray (mjw@hplb.hp.hp.com, xt 28262)
Tel: +44 117 979 9910
Fax: +44 117 922 8003
WWW: http://hplb.hpl.hp.com/
Type of Organisation: Company Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Mathematics; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Company
Computing Platforms: PC; Other UNIX workstation (Sun, DEC etc.)
Displays: Large screen/projection systems; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm Devices
Auditory Interfaces: Qsound Labs
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio; Other (not stated)
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; VRML; Superscape; In-house System
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes - HP Vectra XW Graphics PCs; Shuttered glasses
Major focus of VR work: Software Architectures
Collaborations with others: None
Application areas: Information Visualisation; Other (not stated)
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Virtual Environments Graphics and Applications Lab.
Address: Dept. Computer Science, University of Hull, Hull
E-mail: ve@dcs.hull.ac.uk
Telephone: 01482 466384
Fax: 01482 466666
WWW: http://www.enc.hull.ac.uk/CS/VEGA
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Maths; Physics; Medicine
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing platforms: Silicon Graphics; Division; PC
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (mono); Shutter Glasses
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm devices; Pointing devices
Haptic interfaces: Tactile interfaces;
Software Modelling Packages: AutoCAD; Multigen; 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/dVISE; VRML Superscape; Sense8;
In-house system
Intention to purchase new equipment in the next 12 months: Yes, PC hardware; misc. software
Major focus of VR work: Medical Applications
Collaborations with others: No
Application areas: Medical Simulation; Education
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: Yes
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: 2-3 years
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Psychology Dept. University of Leicester. (Dr Nigel Foreman, Dr Paul Wilson, Ms Danae Stanton, Prof Edgar Miller, Mr Jonathan Stirk)
Address: University of Leicester
Sources of funding: grant from Action Research/BT finishes August 1997; University fellowship to J Stirk
Computing platforms: PC
Displays: VDU/Desktop; Immersive HMD
VR Authoring Software Packages: Superscape
Major focus of VR work:
(1) Use of VR in improving spatial awareness in kids with disabilities
(Foreman, Wilson, Stanton)
(2) Use of VR to assess and improve cognition in clinical patients, Foreman,
Miller, Stirk (will continue for 2.5 years more)
Additional Information: We are sure that applications in psychology will develop, but slowly as
people (in schools, professions) become more aware of the technology, and
able to afford the equipment and technical time and expertise to create
3-D environments.
Group Name: Dept of Civil & Building Engineering, Loughborough University
Address: Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU.
E-mail: n.m.bouchlaghem@lboro.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1509 22377
Fax: +44 (0) 1509 223981
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Engineering; Architect
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: PC
Displays: VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Pointing Devices
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Superscape
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: None
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development
Collaborations with others: None
Application areas: Architecture; Construction
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Advanced VR Research Centre (AVRRC)
Address: Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 37U
E-mail: r.s.kalawsky@lboro.ac.uk
Tel: 01509 223047
Fax: 01509 223940
WWW: http://sgi-hursk.lboro.ac.uk/~avrrc
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 11-15
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Electronic Engineering; Psychology; Human factors; Physics;
Medicine; Architecture
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: Members active since 1978, though others more recent.
Sources of funding: EPSRC, JISC, HEFCE, Academic funding body; Significant industrial sponsorship;
Government Agency, Lotteries Board, Arts Council of England
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; Division; PC; Apple Mac
Tracking systems: Polhemus; Ascension Technology Inc., Logitech
Displays: Reality Centre, Immersive HMD (mono and stereo); Large screen projection/systems;
Shutter glasses; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm devices; Pointing devices
Haptic Interfaces: Kinesthetic Interfaces
Motion devices: Self-motion interfaces; Motion base (Full body)
Software Modelling Packages: MultiGen; 3D Studio; Pro Engineer; Softimage.
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/dVISE
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, as projects demand
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Human Factors/ HCI; VR Peripherals Development
Collaborations with others: Yes. Extensive industrial collaborations (Division, SGI, MultiGen, British
Aerospace, BT, SEOS, Trimension, Transom, Tyrrell, Parametric Technologies
and others- Confidential.
Application areas: Information visualisation; Design environments, Group interation in spatially
immersive environments, Limited medical Simulation; CAD/CAM; Education and
Training; Architecture
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Advanced Interfaces Group
Address: Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road,
Manchester M13 9PL
E-mail: roger@cs.man.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 6158
Fax: +44 (0) 161 275 6236
WWW: http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/aig/
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 15
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Human Factors; Mathematics; Engineering; Parallel processing
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: Since 1991
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.); Industrial partners; European Funding Body; University
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; Other UNIX workstation (Sun)
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (Stereo); Large screen/projection systems; Shutter Glasses;
VDU/Desktop; Sharp Autostereoscopic display
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm Devices; Pointing Devices; Voice recognition
Auditory Interfaces: MIDI sound
VR Authoring Software Packages: GL/OGL; DIVE; VRML; In-house Systems (MAVERIK, Deva)
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, Workstations; PCs; software; VR peripherals
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Human Factors/HCI; Software Architectures; Medical
Applications; Research into VR techniques for large-scale applications
Collaborations with others: Department of Psychology, University of Manchester: eSCAPE, Department of
Computer Science, University of Lancaster: eSCAPE, Swedish Institute of
Computer Science (SICS): eSCAPE ZKM, Germany: eSCAPE, Department of Computer
Science, University of Nottingham: Inhabiting the Web Christie Hospital,
Manchester: Autostereoscopic display and manipulation of volume data
Application areas: Information visualization; Medical Simulation; CAD/CAM; Education and Training;
Architecture; Construction
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Possibly
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: Yes, but to research partners only
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: 2 years
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Nortel
Address: London Road, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9NA
E-mail: tap@nortel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1279 402109
Fax: +44 (0) 1279 402047
WWW: http://www.nortel.com
Type of Organisation: Company Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Mathematics; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Company
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; UNIX
Displays: Shutter Glasses; VDU/ Desktop
User Input Devices: SpaceMouse
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; Pro Engineer
VR Authoring Software Packages: Division DVS/ DVISE; VRML; Superscape; Sense8
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, Intel PC; OpenGL cards/WTK
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; User Interfaces for telecoms network management
systems
Collaborations with others: VR Solutions; telecoms applications of VR
Application areas: Information visualisation; CAD/ CAM; Education and Training
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: The Centre for Industrial and Medical Informatics (CIMI)
Address: Nottingham University, Unit 8, William Lee Buildings, Highfields Science
Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RQ
E-mail: kmw@cs.nott.ac.uk
Telephone: 0115 956 8990
Fax: 0115 956 8991
WWW: htp://www.cimi.nottingham.ac.uk
Type of Organisation: Technology Transfer Centre; commercial solutions; education; research; marketing
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Physics; Architecture; Image Analysis
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: less than 1 yr
Sources of funding: European Funding Body; Matched funding from industry
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; Unix
Displays: Projection system; VDU/Desktop; Static/mobile reality centre
User Input Devices: Pointing Devices
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; Multigen; 3D Studio; Medit, + various market specific CAD
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/Dvise; DIVE; VRML; VEGA
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, workstations, various input devices
Major focus of VR work: Various depending upon market needs
Collaborations with others: SGI; SEOS displays; RIBA; Local Authorities
Application areas: Information Visualisation; Medical Simulation; CAD/CAM; Education and Training;
Architecture; Construction; Mining Environmental
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Additional Information:
Through the work that we are undertaking at CIMI we are dramatically increasing
the awareness of the benefits of VR and are providing seminars, open days
and producing VR solutions for various market sectors.
The `public' are obviously very excited by this technology and we hope
to ensure that using this technology we will significantly enhance their
business and therefore the community as a whole.
I must add, that I an very pleased with the support and collaboration shown
by others in this field. I am sure that with centres like ours ensuring
that the technology is commercially implemented, that everyone will enjoy
the benefits and better quality of life. (You can tell I love VR!)
Group Name: Communications Research Group
Address: Department of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, University Park,
Nottingham, NG7 2RD
E-mail: crg@cs.nott.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 115 951 4203
Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 4254
WWW: http://www.crg.cs.nott.ac.uk/
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 11-15
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Psychology
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 6 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSTC, JISC, etc.) and EC; also direct industrial
funding.
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; UNIX
Tracking systems: polhemus
Displays: Immersive Head-Mounted Disaplay (Mono); Large screen/Projection Systems;
VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/ Arm; Pointing Devices
Software Modelling Packages: AC3D
VR Authoring Software
Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer Division DVS/DVISE DIVE; VRML; Superscape;
Sense8; In-house System
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, additional projection interface; PC graphics accelerators; 100Mbit
ethernet.
Major focus of VR work: Software Architectures; collaborative information visualisation; human
factors; `inhabited' TV
Collaborations with others: Virtual Reality Research Group, Univ. of Reading (EPSRC HIVE project); Cooperative
Systems Engineering Group, Lancaster University (EPSRC DEVRL, HEFCE-JTAP
Virtual Campus and EC COVEN projects); VR and Graphics Group, UCL (EPSRC
DEVRL and EC COVEN projects); plus several other UK groups in previous projects,
and several European groups in both previous and current project.
Application areas: Information visualisation; Education and Training; Tele-conferencing; Entertainment;
Art and performance
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: We are producing a general system but it's research rather than a commercial
(i.e. [[sterling]][[sterling]][[sterling]]s)
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Additional Information: Current systems developed by the group which have also been used elsewhere
are:
* MASSIVE-1, a VR tele-conference system;
* MASSIVE-2 also known as CVE, a general purpose collaborative VR system.
Group Name: VIRART
Address: Dept. of Manufacturing Engneering & Operations Management, University Of
Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham. NG7 2RD
E-mail: epzsvc@epn1.maneng.nottingham.ac.uk
Telephone: 0115 9514042
Fax: 0115 9514000
WWW: http://quoll.maneng.nott.ac.uk/Research/virart/index.html
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Psychology; Human factors; Maths; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 6 years
Sources of funding: Academic funding body; Companies; Charities
Computing Platforms: Division; PC
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (mono and stereo); Shutter glasses; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm devices; Pointing devices
Motion devices: Self-motion interfaces; Passive motion interfaces
Auditory Interfaces: Creative labs
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio; Director
VR Authoring Software Packages: Division DVS/dVISE; VRML; Superscape ; V-space
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, workstations; software; headsets; etc.
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Human Factors/ HCI; Special needs and mainstream
education; Rehabilitation; Developing input devices; Evaluation of all aspects
of VR use.
Collaborations with others: Yes, Various partners with specific interest in the application being built.
For example, Departments in QMC, Nottingham for rehabilitation projects,
Teachers and care workers for LIFE skills (using VR to teach basic life
skills to children/adults with learning disabilities).
Application areas: Information visualisation; CAD/CAM; Education; Marketing; rehabilitation;
research
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: Yes
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: The LIFE skills project is already marketed via a special needs distributer
(ROMPA).
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: VISAGE
Address: Andy Avery, Department of Geography, University of Nottingham, University
Park Nottingham. NG7 2RD
E-mail: andy.avery@nottingham.ac.uk
Telephone: 0115 951 5450
Fax: 0115 951 5249
WWW: work in progress
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Geography
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics
Displays: VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Pointing devices; Spacemouse
Software Modelling Packages: Manual construction using WTK nff file format
VR Authoring Software Packages: Sense8
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, multi-pipeline version of WTK
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development
Collaborations with others: No
Application areas: Information Visualisation
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: The Open University,
Address: Department of Design and Innovation, Virtual Design Studio, Walton Hall,
Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
E-mail: p.margerison@open.ac.uk
Telephone: 01908 652518
Fax: 01908 654052
WWW: http://www-tech.open.ac.uk/design/research/cdis/vsdims.html
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrouns of Group Members: Engineering; Art and design
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: PC; UNIX
Displays: VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Pointing devices
VR Authoring Software Packages: VRML; Virtual Reality 1.5, Avril
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, SGI hardware/software
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Virtual Artists Studio
Collaborations with others: Bath University (Mech Eng); Cardiff (Sys Eng)
Application areas: Information visualisation; Education; Virtual Studio for the Design of Intelligent
Systems
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: University of Plymouth
Address: Exeter School of Arts & Design, Earl Richards Road North, Exeter, EX2 6AS
E-mail: c.beardon@plym.ac.uk
Tel: 01392 475028
Fax: 01392 475028
WWW: http://www.esad.plym.ac.uk/
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Art; Design
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: <1 yr
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; Apple Mac
Displays: VDU/Desktop
VR Authoring Software Packages: VRML
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: None
Major focus of VR work: Applications and development
Collaborations with others: We attempt to provide a service for all Art & Design units in HEI
Application areas: Art; Theatre
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Human Centred Systems Design Group
Contact name: Rachael Hards
Address: School of Computing, 9 Kirkby Place, Plymouth. PL4 8AA
E-mail: rhards@plymouth.ac.uk
Tel: 01752 232563
Fax: 01752 232540
Type of Organisation: University research group
Number of People in Group: 3+
Backgounds of Group Members: Psychology (2); Computing (1)
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1 Year approx.
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.) - EPSRC
Computing Platforms: PC (Pentium)
VR Authoring Software Packages: Superscape (Version 4)
Major focus of VR work: Human Factors; CSCW using VR
Collaborations with others: Industrial & academic collaborators.
Application areas: Engineering design.
Additional Information:
What styles of VR interaction techniques do you employ?
This will be the central outcome of this phase of the research.
How do you expect VR technology to progress in the future?
a) Industrial design
b) Architechtural design
c) Simulators
d) Entertainment
e) VRML/WWW
On what assumptions for future VR technology are you basing yourwork?
That VR has the potential to enhance the creative aspects of
engineering design within a team(s) of industrial designers.
The research currently being undertaken here is in its first phase
with future research proposed. It centres upon human factors and
psychological issues rather than technilogical aspects of VR.
Group Name: Primary Image Ltd
Address: Millbank House, 171-185 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6AP, England
Tel: +44 (0) 181 339 9669
Fax: +44 (0) 181 339 9091
Type of Organisation: Hardware/Software Vendor
Number of People in Group: 50+ in UK and USA
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: Company established in 1978
Major focus of VR work: Display systems and real-time computing
Collaborations with others: Clients include Lockheed Martin-Solartron, UK MOD, Canadian DND, Oerikon-Contraves,
CAE Invertron, Thomson Training and Simulation
Application areas: Image Generation (PC platforms)
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes, P10+ Image Generator.
Group Name: Royal College of Art
Address: Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2EU
E-mail: r.brown@rca.ac.uk
Telephone: 0171 590 4296
Fax: 0171 590 4290
WWW: http://www-crd.rca.ac.uk/~richardb
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 1-5
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Fine Art
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Source of funding: Interval Research (USA)
Computing Platforms: PC
Tracking systems: MIT Electric Fish
Displays: Projection + Chromadepth glasses
User Input Devices: MIT Electric Fish
Auditory Interfaces: Diamond Sound
VR Authoring Software Packages: Sense8
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, PC(s) + 3D graphics cards
Major focus of VR work: Art/Design
Collaboration with others: No
Application areas: VR as a creative, artistic medium
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: No
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: Potentially in 2 years time
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Decrease
Additional Information: VR is a poor term for a potentially rich and versatile medium, the terminolgy
implies an obsession with representing the mundane - a virtual form of reality,
it needs to expand and move away from a CAD/Euclidean model of reality and
become more of a medium in its own right, perhaps by challenging our limited
understanding of reality. This can onlyoccur in fields that are not interested
in a practical modelling of reality - ie non simulation/training/design
and are likely to occur within art/entertainment/gaming/cyberspace where
the need to achieve realism is not paramount.
Group Name: ARL:Drive
Address: Dept of Psychology Univ. of Reading 3 Earley Gate Reading RG6 6AL
E-mail: J.P.Wann@rdg.ac.uk
Telephone: 01734 318532
Fax: 01734 316604
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Psychology; Vision Science
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; Division; PC
Tracking systems: Polhemus; Ascension; Eye-movement
Displays: Immersive HMD ( mono and stereo); Projection system; Shutter Glasses; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: Hand/arm devices; Steering inputs
Motion Devices: Self-Motion Interfaces;
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/dVISE; Superscape
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: No
Major focus of VR work: Human Factors\HCI; Human Perception; Brain Injury; Child Development
Collaborations with others: Yes, Cybernetics, Univ of Reading - tele-operation
Application areas: Information visualisation ; Tele-operation Rehabilitation Environments
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Decrease
Group Name: Advanced Interactive Systems Group, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Address: Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX
E-mail: D.R.S.Boyd@rl.ac.uk
Tel: 01235 446167
Fax: 01235 445945
WWW: http://www.dci.clrc.ac.uk
Type of Organisation: Government Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Human Factors; Mathematics; Physics; Intelligent
Systems; Digital media
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.); European Union
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; Other UNIX workstation (Sun, DEC etc.)
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (Stereo); Large screen/projection systems; Shutter Glasses;
VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: 3D mouse, spaceball, spacemouse
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio; MEdit
VR Authoring Software Packages: Open Inventor/OGL/Performer; Division DVS/DVIS; VRML
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Workstations, software
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development; Human Factors/HCI
Collaborations with others: University of York + ColtVR - EPSRC research grant INQUISITIVE, Tessella
+ others - EU project VIVRE
Application areas: Information visualisation; CAD/CAM; Education Training; Architecture
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Virtual Reality in Medicine & Biology Group (VRMBG)
Address: Dept Medical Physics & Clinical Eng. University of Sheffield Royal Hallamshire
Hospital Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2JF
E-mail: r.hollands@shef.ac.uk
Tel: (0114) 2712688
Fax: (0114) 2713403
WWW: http://www.shef.ac.uk/~vrmbg
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Engineering; Maths; Medicine
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: EPSRC, NHS, plus assorted
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; Apple
Tracking systems: Polhemus
Displays: Immersive HMD (mono and stereo); Shutter glasses ; VDU/Desktop
Pointing Devices: Hand/arm devices; Pointing devices
Software Modelling Packages: Clayworks; WorldUp modeller; ANSYS
VR Authoring Software Packages: Superscape; Sense8 ; In-house system
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, trackers, workstations, software
Major focus of VR work: Medical Applications
Collaborations with others: Yes, confidential
Application areas: Information visualisation; Medical Simulation
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product?: Yes
When do you feel you will have a marketable product?: Different projects - 1 year to 3 years
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Decrease
Group Name: Human Factors Research Unit
Address: I.S.V.R, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ
E-mail: naw@isvr.soton.ac.uk chl@isvr.soton.ac.uk
Tel: 01703 592853
Fax: 01703 592927
WWW: http://www.isvr.soton.ac.uk
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 20 (2 actively involved in VR)
Backgrounds of Group Members: Engineering; Psychology; Human Factors
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: since 1978.
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.); Government Agency (DERA)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC
Tracking systems: Polhemus; Ascension Technology Inc.
Displays: Immersive HMD (Mono and Stereo); VDU/Desktop
Motion Devices: Motion platforms capable of horizontal and vertical motion and motion in
the roll, pitch and yaw axes; Optokinetic Drum.
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Sense8
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, (depending on funding), software + HMD(s)
Major focus of VR work: Human Factors/HCI; Medical Applications
Collaborations with others: Yes, Istituto Auxologica Italiano. PC based virtual reality for psycho-neuro-physiological
assessment and rehabilitation.
Application areas: Medical Simulation; Aviation applications.; Research into Motion Sickness in virtual reality.
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product? No
When do you feel you will have a marketable product? unknown
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing,
Address: School of Electronic Engineering, Information, Technology and Mathematics,
University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 5XH.
E-mail: J.Illingworth@ee.surrey.ac.uk
Telephone: 01483 259835
Fax: 01483 534139
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Maths; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 1-3 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; UNIX
Tracking systems: we have a 3D Scanners ModelMaker which uses a FARO arm
Software Modelling Packages: AVS
VR Authoring Software Packages: VRML
Intention to purchase equipment in next 12 months: No
Major focus of VR work: Entertainment; Construction of models from computer vision data
Collaborations with others: Yes, 3D Scanners on algorithms for data integration
Application areas: CAD/CAM
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demonstrable example of your product? Yes
When do you feel you will have a marketable product? unknown
Predicted group size over the next year: Increase
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Centre for VLSI and Computer Graphics
Address: School of Engineering, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, Bn1 9QT,
East Sussex
E-mail: atforms*
Tracking system: CrystalEyes(
Intention to purchase equipment in next 12 months: Yes, HMD, software, graphics accelerator hardware
Major focus of VR work: VR hardware and software architectures and algorithms
Collaborations with others: European academia and industry
Group Name: Networked Virtual Reality Resource Centres for Art and Design
Address: Institute of Design, University of Teesside, Borough Road, Middlesborough,
TS1 3BA
E-mail: r.edgar@tees.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1642 342365
Fax: +44 (0) 1642 342376
WWW: http://www.tees.ac.uk/design/dsr04/nvrcad.htm
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of People in Group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Architect; Furniture Design; Theatre
design; Interior design; Computer aided graphics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: <1 yr
Sources of funding: Academic Funding Body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphic; PC; Apple Mac
Software Modelling Packages: 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: VRML
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, Software, perhaps Alias; 3D Studio Max
Major focus of VR work: Our main aim and the reason why we do not have high end VR equipment is
because we are concentrating on VRML and getting it used in Art and Design
colleges
Collaborations with others: None
Application areas: Architecture; all areas of art and design
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No.
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increase
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: Virtuality Ltd
Address: 3 Oswin Road, Brailsford Industrial Park, Leicester, LE3 1HR
E-mail: benv@virtuality.com
Tel: +44 (0) 116 233 7000
Fax: +44 (0) 116 247 1855
Type of Organisation: hardware/software vendor
Number of People in Group: 54
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer Science; Engineering; Human Factors; Mathematics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 13 yrs
Sources of funding: From sales
Computing Platforms: Silicon Graphics; PC; Proprietary
Tracking systems: Polhemus; Ascension Technology Inc.; Infrared
Displays: Immersive HMD (Mono); Immersive HMD (Stereo)
User Input Devices: Hand/Arm Devices; Pointing Devices
Olfactory Interfaces: BOC Olfactory Delivery System
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; 3D Studio; Proprietary
VR Authoring Software Packages: In-house System
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: None
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development
Collaborations with others: various partner companies
Application areas: Medical Simulation; Education Training; Architecture; Marketing Entertainment
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demostrable example of your product?: Yes
When do you feel you will have a marketableproduct?: we have them
Predicted group size over the next year: Decrease
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Decrease
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
Group Name: Space Physics
Address: Physics Dept., Univ of Warwick
E-mail: S.C.Chapman@warwick.ac.uk
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 6-10
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Maths; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: less than 1 yr
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing platforms: Silicon Graphics; UNIX
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, tbd
Major focus of VR work: visualization
Collaborations with others: No
Application areas: Information visualisation
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: No
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Remain unchanged
Group Name: VCSRG (Virtual Construction Simulation research Group)
Address: Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, GA 0NG
E-mail: a.retik@strath.ac.uk
Tel: 0141 - 548 3420
Fax: 0141 - 552 0112
WWW: http://www.strath.ac.uk/dDepartments/Civeng/conmann/cm.html
Type of Organisation: University Research Group
Number of people in group: 3-5 yrs
Backgrounds of Group Members: Computer science; Engineering; Physics
Group's Length of Involvement with VR Research: 3-5 yrs
Sources of funding: Academic funding body (EPSRC, JISC etc.)
Computing platforms: PC
Tracking systems: Virtual I/O
Displays: Immersive HMD (Stereo); Large screen/projection system; VDU/Desktop
User Input Devices: 3D Mouse
Olfactory Interfaces: BOC Olfactory Delivery System
Software Modelling Packages: AUTOCAD; 3D Studio
VR Authoring Software Packages: Superscape
Intention to purchase new equipment in next 12 months: Yes, software, HMD
Major focus of VR work: Applications Development
Collaborations with others: Yes, ABACUS - on-line VR lab
Application areas: Education and Training; Construction
Will the group produce a working commercial VR product?: Yes
Do you have a demostrable example of your product?: No
When do you feel you will have a marketableproduct?: 1.5 years
Predicted group size over the next year: Remain unchanged
Predicted breadth of research over the next year: Increasev
Predicted public interest in VR in the next year: Increase
For further information please contact Lenny Stapleton at:
AVRRC Department of Human Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough Leicester LE11 3TU E-mail : l.j.stapleton@lboro.ac.uk Phone: +44 1509 263171 (Switchboard) Fax: +44 1509 223940 (Departmental Fax)Page last updated by L.J. Stapleton 12th February 1998
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