SIGGRAPH 2007 Report
Pittsford, NY - Becky Gamin, graphic artist for Second Avenue, attended last week's SIGGRAPH 2007 computer animation conference to investigate the latest software tools and learn about emerging technologies. She was one of 24,083 people to attend this year's conference, which is held in a different city from year to year; San Diego had previously hosted the conference in 2003.
"As a first-time attendee, SIGGRAPH '07 was really intense but also really rewarding," said Becky. "There was a fantastic selection of papers, exhibitions, speakers, and courses. I met people from all around the world who are developing highly innovative tools that revolutionize our capabilities with computer graphics."
The conference offered panels, courses, exhibits, career networking, and screenings of computer-animated films.
"It was inspiring to see the Emerging Technologies exhibit, and the advances in interactivity with technology," said Becky. She was particularly impressed with Microsoft Surface, a touch-screen interface to be used in tabletops at restaurants and hotels; and BYU-BYU-View, an interface that responded graphically to air movement such as wind or human breath.
Another Emerging Technologies display had the less catchy name of 'Full-Scale Saccade-Based Display: Public/Private Image Presentation Based on Gaze-Contingent Visual Illusion', but it, too, caught Becky's attention. "It's a column of small, blinking LED lights, and you can only see an image that they're creating as you move your eyes past it," she explained. "You can only see it when your eyes are moving. It makes you really dizzy..."
"Also, the exhibition floor was a great resource to see just where the bar is set among the industry leaders in software, gaming, and film," added Becky. 230 exhibitors from across the computer graphics industry presented their latest products.
"I'm already making plans to attend next year."
SIGGRAPH 2007 website: http://www.siggraph.org/s2007/
About Second Avenue Software
Second Avenue Software is a new media production company focused on the development of creative interactive media which marries compelling visual and educational content. Second Avenue Software works with providers of educational products to create effective, interactive learning environments that are fun and engaging.
"As a first-time attendee, SIGGRAPH '07 was really intense but also really rewarding," said Becky. "There was a fantastic selection of papers, exhibitions, speakers, and courses. I met people from all around the world who are developing highly innovative tools that revolutionize our capabilities with computer graphics."
The conference offered panels, courses, exhibits, career networking, and screenings of computer-animated films.
"It was inspiring to see the Emerging Technologies exhibit, and the advances in interactivity with technology," said Becky. She was particularly impressed with Microsoft Surface, a touch-screen interface to be used in tabletops at restaurants and hotels; and BYU-BYU-View, an interface that responded graphically to air movement such as wind or human breath.
Another Emerging Technologies display had the less catchy name of 'Full-Scale Saccade-Based Display: Public/Private Image Presentation Based on Gaze-Contingent Visual Illusion', but it, too, caught Becky's attention. "It's a column of small, blinking LED lights, and you can only see an image that they're creating as you move your eyes past it," she explained. "You can only see it when your eyes are moving. It makes you really dizzy..."
"Also, the exhibition floor was a great resource to see just where the bar is set among the industry leaders in software, gaming, and film," added Becky. 230 exhibitors from across the computer graphics industry presented their latest products.
"I'm already making plans to attend next year."
SIGGRAPH 2007 website: http://www.siggraph.org/s2007/
About Second Avenue Software
Second Avenue Software is a new media production company focused on the development of creative interactive media which marries compelling visual and educational content. Second Avenue Software works with providers of educational products to create effective, interactive learning environments that are fun and engaging.