Viewpoint DataLabs Announces Distributed Interactive Simulation 3D Models; Smart Models Build Interactive Virtual Environments for Real-Time Flight Applications

Business Wire, Nov 28, 1994

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 1994--Viewpoint DataLabs International, the leading provider of 3D smart models, announced today at the I/ITSEC conference and exhibition that it is producing models compliant with the World Reference Model Flight Entity Specification of the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) standard. DIS compliancy provides intelligence and interoperability among 3D models in applications such as real-time networked flight simulations -- enabling interactive virtual environments that approach real flight situations.

"Our customers have been asking us for more tools that they can use to create real-time simulations," said John Burwell, visual simulation market manager at Silicon Graphics, Inc. "Viewpoint is recognized as a premier 3D modeler, and we believe this announcement will help spur the development of realistic simulations and other exciting interactive applications."

Viewpoint DIS-compliant smart models feature a built-in database that makes them naturally intelligent so they can behave as they would in the real world, enabling true interactivity. For example, players on the DIS network actually see other entities move and change according to the actions of the players. Viewpoint DIS-compliant models include header information for DIS model specification version and entity type, embedded DIS Articulation Data, DIS attachable entities and DIS appearance attributes.

"Smart models are the future. There is a tremendous need in military and simulation markets to create virtual environments that parallel real world experiences," said John Wright, president and CEO of Viewpoint. "Viewpoint's leading-edge digitizing and modeling processes ensure the delivery of the most accurate and intelligent models -- enabling our customers to create applications that meet quality standards, quickly and on budget."

Pricing and Availability

------------------------

Viewpoint has a library of over 350 real-time pre-built models that are DIS compliant. Models can also be customized to meet developer specifications. Model prices start at $500 and increase according to the number of DIS components, texture sets and levels of detail. Viewpoint models are compatible with most major hardware and software real-time systems.

Viewpoint DataLabs

------------------

Viewpoint DataLabs International was founded in 1988 as the first company to create and market technically accurate 3D models for computer visualization applications. The company has grown to become the leading provider of pre-built and custom 3D smart models and DataTools. Smart models are three-dimensional intelligent digital representations of real people, places and things used as the basis for computer visualization, animation and special effects. Viewpoint products -- including a library of over 2,000 models -- are used in entertainment markets for television and film, interactive games, interactive television and location-based entertainment; military markets for virtual reality and simulation; medical markets; and accident reconstruction. For more information or a Viewpoint catalog call 1-800-DATASET (328-2738).

CONTACT: MacKenzie Kesselring, Inc.

Leslie Kesselring, 801/569-1211