It is well known that the field of computer graphics and interactive techniques spans and crosses over a very wide range of industries and research areas. Tonight we present an example that embodies the phrase "far ranging" quite literally: space exploration!

The Canadian Space Agency is using a novel motion capture device that is also being commercialized by New Brunswick-based Measurand Inc. for a wide range computer graphics application areas. It is an interesting story of collaboration and "spin-offs" coming out of the many-faceted R&D efforts at the CSA. We will learn about the many areas of mutual interest between computer graphics and space exploration, and the potential for other such collaborative projects in the future. Measurand Inc. will of course demonstrate the new motion capture technology itself and its wide range of applicability.

Claude Brunet will begin the evening by presenting the technology development areas supported by the Canadian Space Agency and which could be of interest to the SIGGRAPH community. He will briefly cover the specific needs for computer based technologies to support the CSA's current and future missions, namely in the areas of manned missions, astronaut training, space exploration and science, robotics, spacecrafts and ground based operations. He will also discuss mechanisms by which the CSA conducts technology development, either internal or contracted out. This overview will serve as an introduction to the specific interactive technology developed by Measurand Inc.

Robin Palmer, from New Brunswick-based Measurand Inc. will then demonstrate ShapeTape, a flexible ribbon array of fibre-optic sensors that can be bent, twisted and even looped like a pretzel, and knows its own shape and position. Built into or attached to an object, hand held or even worn on the body, ShapeTape tracks shape and motion in real-time. It follows human arm, leg, back, and neck movements for motion capture, virtual reality, biomedical, gaming, and robotic control applications. It is also used in crash testing, computer-aided design, and automotive interior design.

Robin will also show how this technology can be integrated into animation pipelines and used for describing the motion of cameras, particle systems and even hair!

This event is sponsored by and