ISTE 2012 Update

Here’s an interesting scoop for ISTE 2012 attendees. On Monday morning, Mayim Bialik, the talented star of Blossom and Big Bang Theory, is presenting at 8:30 a.m. on behalf of Texas Instruments in ballroom 20CD. Dr. Bialik, who has a PhD in neuroscience, is the new TI brand ambassador. She will also make two appearances at the TI booth on Monday, so expect quite a crowd. 

By the way, I spent some time talking to her at a private reception, and let's just say she is scary smart--like so many of the readers of this blog, whom I often meet on the road! Geeks rule. Just saying.

3D DocCam Redux

Here’s a timely update on last week’s 3D Document Camera Post. Last week I was at InfoComm 2102 and was able to see the new Lumens 3D document Camera up close and in action. I also found another 3D document camera hitting the market, produced by Wolfvision. Here’s what I found:

Lumens 3D Ladibug. The form factor is attractive and the visualization quality, using a DLP ultra-short throw projector was stellar. This unit will retail in the $700+ range and is well worth the money. Although aimed at the K-20 education market, the quality of image is stunning. It should fit anywhere. 

A science lesson demonstration featuring long-time 3D educator, 

Nancye Blair, using the Lumens 3D Ladibug.

WolfVision 3D Document Camera. This 3D document camera is ceiling mounted and designed for industrial and advanced medical applications.  The model shown was just released and retails for around $30,000. The sales rep was not able to demonstrate it well or answer simple questions about application, so I ended up explaining how it could be used to several University passersby. I also showed the sales rep how this technology is best viewed 10+ feet away, not up close, as they were doing. The latency on the document camera was quite significant, but I expect they will improve upon this problem in future updates.

Demonstrating the WolfVision 3D document camera at InfoComm

A 3D Ladibug

Ground-breaking news in the educational 3D world. Lumens recently released their new 3D Ladibug document camera. This high-definition document camera comes 3D-ready for both 3D DLP projectors and 3D TVs. And don't worry, educators!  The 3D Ladibug easily can function as a 2D visualizer, as well! Lumens is a power player in the document camera industry, so this product release is not a trivial matter.

The context of this product release is not trivial within the education market either. A 3D document camera can be used by teachers to showcase immersive science experiments or model math skills through the visual display of manipulatives, tiny ‘blocks’ or shapes that teach place value, fractions, measurement, or geometry—with depth.  More importantly, the 3D document camera becomes another stout tool for content creation. Imagine student dioramas, stick or finger puppet shows, or model displays—again, with depth. And even primary children can ‘design’ the content. To learn more, take a look at this case study link and the following product data sheet link. You can also see live demonstrations on the exhibit hall floor at ISTE 2012 in San Diego in June. It’s a great time to be alive.

3D Comm

For those readers who want to learn more about 3D in the educational marketplace, or simply wish to increase their knowledge about the possibilities and capabilities of 3D, a high-leverage opportunity is coming your way. 3D Comm Seminars are again being offered at this year’s InfoComm conference in Las Vegas on June 13 and 14.

These 90-minute sessions, taught by Insight Media analysts as well as other leaders in the 3D industry, will focus on “providing unbiased information on many aspects of the 3D ecosystem, and help you gain critical knowledge about technology, markets, applications and uses of 3D.” 

The 3D Comm schedule of offerings includes:

Wednesday, June 13
3D1	Introduction to Stereovision and 3D Human Factors	Chris Chinnock	Insight Media
3D2	Advanced Capabilities of 3D Projection	Victor Vettorello	Vista Systems Corp./ Christie Digital
3D3	System Integration for Stereoscopic Solutions	Norbert Hildebrand	Insight Media
3D4	Introduction to Stereovision and 3D Human Factors	Chris Chinnock	Insight Media
3D5	3D in Visualization/Simulation	Andrew Jamison	Scalable Display
3D7	Autostereoscopic 3D Displays for Digital Signage	Chris Chinnock	Insight Media
3D8	3D Applications - Where, What & Why	Norbert Hildebrand	Insight Media
Thursday, June 14
3D 9	Content Creation for Stereoscopic Displays	Chris Chinnock	Insight Media
3D11	Introduction to 3D Displays	Chris Chinnock	Insight Media
3D12	Remapping for 2012: 3D and the Education Market Space	Len Scrogan	University of Colorado-Denver
3D13	Deploying 3D Displays Using Touch, Gesture and Motion Tracking Technologies	Kurt Hoffmeister	Mechdyne

As you can tell, I am one of the presenters. I will be speaking about Remapping for 2012: 3D and the Education Marketspace. My focus will be on three key topics:

• “What does great eS3D look like?”
• “How can the industry best prepare for the 2012-2013 academic year in the educational marketplace?“
• “What changes and developments must be considered in order to reach and succeed in the educational market?“

Please join me if you can, and take time to shake hands and chat one-on-one. You can get more information about 3D Comm at this link.