Prof. José Encarnação
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD)
Germany
jle@igd.fhg.de
Why do we need global virtual environments? Consider: Our world is entering an age where our current understanding of telecommunications and graphics computing is constantly challenged. For instance, the universal advancement of network and graphics technology, new business models, and global infrastructure development are transforming the solitary, platform-centric 3D computing model. With the availability of global information highways, 3D graphical intercontinental collaboration will become a part of our daily work routine. Already, world class auto makers are attempting to reduce car development time to two-year cycles, enlisting global engineering teams. However, this process requires new tools such as shared 3D CAD and distributed product data management systems.
Our organizations, the Fraunhofer Center for Research in Computer Graphics (CRCG) in the United States and the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD) in Germany, are looking ahead into this new age by establishing a transcontinental computer graphics research effort and a proposed G-7 testbed. We are studying how 3D computer graphics and virtual environments can aid global collaborative work.
We have focused our research efforts on determining how computer networks can transform the distributed workplace into a shared environment, allowing real-time interaction among people and processes without regard to their location. Our research is part of a long-term project - the Transatlantic Research and Development Environment (Trade) - that lets us