In the educational 3D world, stasis is a hazardous state of being. It’s all too easy for a pioneering software or hardware company to slow drip their way into obsolescence. I have seen it many times – less striking graphics; anachronistic curriculum; slower performance when compared with competitors; more complexity when faced with simpler and more seamless solutions. It’s all about “What has 3D done for me lately?”
That’s why I was so intrigued when I secured an interview with Karim Malek, CEO of Cyber-Anatomy, the respected educational stereo 3D (eS3D) content producer, hoping to catch a glimpse of what C-A was planning for the future. (Cyber-Anatomy has been one of the earliest and most well-known entries into the stereo 3D content arena for K-12, university, medical schools and is used in more than 500 schools worldwide.) My basic drilling was, of course, what has 3D done for me lately? I was pleasantly surprised.
I was able to get a sneak preview of the new CyberScience products, soon to hit the U.S. market after extensive testing in Asia. Here’s what’s in store:
Good. Cyber-Anatomy is upping its game and adding both to its differentiators and collections:
- next-generation graphics: more realism, finer textures, and higher quality/fidelity of graphics
- a next-generation user interface, moving away from an older look and feel
- a new physics content collection
- a new cyber-chemistry content collection featuring six common experiments
- mechanical engines (30 engines for technical education schools )
Better. Cyber-anatomy is advancing what students and teachers can now accomplish with 3D visualization by adding next-generation features:
- simulation with layered peel back
- simulation plus functionality (not just playback simulation, but alterable simulation on the fly)
- deformation (e.g., spring compression and bounce back)
- true cause-and-effect simulations
Best. Cyber-Anatomy is updating the display format posture, moving from active and passive display support to also supporting 3D presentation on a large video wall using 3D glasses for hand and gesture tracking.
Additionally, Cyber-Anatomy will soon be releasing a set of biomechanics simulations featuring a fascinating “puppeteer” technology, a unique and practical tool for learning anatomy through interactive motion with the human body.
Watch these YouTube Videos showing how blue ball connectors can enable students to manipulate 3D, not just watch 3D http://tinyurl.com/odu7tns and http://tinyurl.com/o4hz83g
In a moment of hilarity, I also saw a demonstration of a torso doing the popular ‘thriller’ dance. What a fascinating way to conceptualize difficult-to-learn anatomy concepts within a pop-culture meme. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dancing anatomy lesson before
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It’s good to see that Cyber-Anatomy does not have its fingers stubbornly stuck in the old and largely depleted honey pot of traditional eS3D content. It is off to the races – in the hunt – for the next generation of eS3D content. Answering the question “What has 3D done for me lately?” on behalf of Cyber-Anatomy, I can suggest “plenty.” (Len Scrogan)
