London-based virtual reality consultancy, Virtual Presence Ltd has been appointed sole UK distributor for the low cost virtual reality development system for personal computers, Vream, developed by Chicago-based Vream Inc. Virtual Presence says the Windows software requires no programming knowledge to operate and is compatible with standard DXF and ASCII file formats so three-dimensional CAD users can make use of existing documents. Vream enables users to define, enter and interact with three-dimensional virtual images in real-time using a mouse-driven point and click interface. It requires no additional graphics hardware although helmets, trackers, three-dimensional mice and gloves can be added to create extra effects. It has a three-dimensional environment editor that provides users with three-dimensional drawing tools. The editor can be used to define the virtual environment including interface devices, lighting and gravitational force and to assign sound, motion, texture and adherence to objects. It can also be used to set up reactions between objects and certain defined conditions such as the push of a switch causing a fan to rotate. Once the virtual environment is defined, the user can enter and interact with it in real time. Objects can be grabbed, moved and made active, and reactions triggered. The Vream system is currently priced at UKP1,000. Minimum requirements are an 803086 or 80486-based personal computer running MS-DOS, with at least 2Mb. A maths co-processor is also recommended.
