Alan's USA Trip - Part 4: Siggraph Conference

To give a little background to the conference:

Siggraph started way back in 1974 as part of scientific research into computers. This was mainly comprised of University and Institute (eg MIT) research. However, during the late seventies and early eighties computers as an entertainment tool gave the conference a dual appeal - Entertainment and Science based Research. This year the conference was held in L.A but next year it will be in Vancouver. There is also a Siggraph Asia but sadly no Siggraph Europe.


The L.A Convention Center

An unfortunatechange in Computer Industry...

On the Apple IPAD you can download a game called "Osmos" (Below). In the game you move around absorbing orbs smaller than yourself in order to grow in size. The bigger you grow the bigger the orbs you can absorb until you are the only one left.



So why am I talking about an Ipad game. Well its this process of absorbing and overtaking that has contributed to the decreasing size of Siggraph. Companies are eating each other and many are now relying on online marketing. A real shame for the industry and the people who work in it. What used to be healthy competition between companies such as Discreet and Alias are now one entity "Autodesk". It's also meant that some key companies has opted not to attend this year.

Notable Non-Attendees:

Gnomon
Digital Tutors
Disney
Dell
Dreamworks
Idustrial Light & Magic
HP
Microsoft

This is a cycle that comes around periodically - Hopefully companies will be back or there will be some new competitors soon:

Some of the key booth's this year:



Autodesk were previewing / updating the community on Maya, 3DSMax, Mudbox, Motion Builder, and associated software. As an example they were streaming live from the Mo-cap booth opposite (Halon). Some of you may have heard me talk about Halon before. They are a big Pre-viz house who've spent alot of time developing new 'Pre-viz' technology such as 'live camera to 3D worlds' and Mo-cap suits.



Pixologic and Wacom demonstrating new features for ZBrush 5 and the Cintiq



Blue Sky Entertainment (Robots/ Ice Age)



Rhythm & Hues Studios pushing there new feature films.



Pixar were hiring!



Nvidia promoting the new set of Quadro Cards



Cap Digital are a French business cluster that helps develope new software. In many cases plugins for Maya and other 3D Software. There software was used in the Oscar winning 'Logorama'.



There are always an array of 3D Scanners, 3D printers, and Mo-Cap suits on display.They just get better every year. The resin printers are now reaching modelmaking levels.



Finally, the first liquid cooled home computer (or at least thats what the brochure said.)

Onto "Emerging Technologies"

This is always the fun and amazing part of Siggraph. The section where new inventions and technologies are showcased. Often in the very early stages. Here's my pick of the world yet to come...



Yes believe it or not this is actually an 'Air Keypad'. You move your fingers in mid air and type / manipulate your phone. Wow?



This is a 3D map moveable table display. When you put on the glasses the computer knows where you are in relation to the table and gives you a 3D image. In this case a map. You can then manipulate it much like the IPAD.



This has to my favourite. A 3D display that you can walk around whilst you view.



And play a game:



It feels like the future is here huh?



This is an interactive 3D Hologram using a Zoetrope method of projection. When you speak into the microphone the Holographic head speaks along with you. A part of Disney research.



Again, another Disney development for their theme parks. This is a liquid floating and electronically responsive animatronic eye. They're certainly getting more realistic.



Finally, Emerging Technologies wouldn't be complete without the architypal mad scientist - Albiet in this case a very friendly one. This is the Meta Cookie experiment. You are given a plain cookie but through the glass you see a flavoured one (Chocolate, Vanilla etc). Through the tubes you get to smell your choice whilst you're eating the plain cookie. Your brain is then fooled into tasting the flavour. Strange, interesting, and fun.

Next stop Gnomon.