Total Immersion has confirmed its position as leader in the field of augmented reality through the launch of version 2 of the “The Future is Wild” attraction at the French amusement park, Futuroscope. Introduced in April 2008, this is the world’s first dedicated augmented reality attraction.
Riding in an expedition vehicle and wearing goggles and a sensor bracelet, visitors can enjoy an intense safari experience and directly communicate with the 3D animals. The goggles carry a tiny camera that films the backdrop as seen by the viewer, while a computer calculates and incrusts animated virtual animals in real-time. The enhanced scene is then restored on the screen of the goggles, giving the impression that the 3D images are really coming to life against the backdrop. Reality is thus enhanced and augmented.
A year on, augmented reality technology has advanced, enabling the attraction to develop an even more immersive and interactive safari, featuring new animals with ever more impressive results. In this new version, visitors now have a shelf in front of them on the train, making the creatures seem a good deal closer.
“Augmented reality is positioned to be a strong differentiator for Futuroscope, which wishes to offer its visitors interactive experiences that involve emotion, enjoyment and learning”, explained Bruno UZZAN, the CEO of Total Immersion. “We are proud to have been chosen to help Futuroscope reach its ambitious targets. This new version uses optimal augmented reality technology and has already received an enthusiastic welcome from the public”.
The company, the global leader in augmented reality, introduced Interactive 3D Live Show™, a solution that promises to deliver breakthrough experiences in a theater/presentation format.
With the new offering from Total Immersion, spectators share the stage with virtual live performers, playing a guessing game around what’s real and what’s not. For organizations looking for an effective, dramatic way to engage audiences, Interactive 3D Live Show provides a way to bring characters to life on stage -- as game show hosts, storytellers, historical characters, or whatever the situation calls for.
The turnkey Total Immersion solution consists of:
- Live performance. A next generation live stage show, the platform combines the appeal of a real/virtual performer with the magic of 3D effects.
- Audience participation. Guests are swept into the story as they’re integrated into the show.
- Scalability. The platform supports an easy upgrade of current 3D or 4D theatres into a one-of-a-kind live 3D show.
- Branding. Interactive 3D Live Show brings characters to life on stage, entertaining audiences as the characters assume various guises.
“We’re demonstrating the magical ability of augmented reality to capture visitors’ attention and imagination,” said Bruno Uzzan, CEO, Total Immersion. “The audience experiences real time interaction with augmented reality content -- and is pulled into the scene, dynamically. A show featuring a 3D augmented reality model of a helicopter might, for example, place audience members in the window of the chopper. This application of augmented reality was designed for those in the entertainment industry, but it’s just as appropriate for any organization that wants to add drama and engagement to product demos and presentations.”
Total Immersion is now working on new attraction projects with amusement parks in the US and Future City with partner Independence in South Korea (opening in July).
About Total Immersion
The software publisher Total Immersion was founded in 1999 and after just a few years became the global leader in augmented reality. This exciting new technology integrates real time virtual 3D objects into live video stream. Based in the Paris area, the company has a subsidiary in Los Angeles, together with a sales office in London. Its solutions are also available through a network of 28 partners worldwide.
See also:
Total Immersion to Showcase the Power of Augmented Reality at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008