Core77

Looks Cool... But What Does It Actually Do (Take Two)?

By Ray Hu - May 19, 2011

in Tech

Architecture and design collective NAU and its sister company adNAU have developed a concept for the "Immersive Cocoon," a self-contained "digital experience" that consists of a spherical pod straight out of science fiction. The fully interactive environment transcends the traditional two-dimensional computing interface with the latest motion-detection technology.Imagine instead of a screen, a visual-audio environment that envelops you. Recreating the three-dimensional space we perceive in our everyday lives. Where work and play become more concentrated and enjoyable and allow one to depart on journeys you never thought possible. This is the promise of the Immersive Cocoon, a concept study for an advanced digital environment.

It's worth repeating that the "Immersive Cocoon" concept is not intended for production, much less commercial release; instead, it's "an idea to push the envelope and provoke a new conception of interface technology."

Thus, it is, or rather would be, built on a "3D motion tracking system developed by John Underkoffler, a former fellow of the MIT Media Lab." The opaque globe has a range of hypothetical applications, from learning, education and training to gaming and relaxation (which was my first impression)... though at some level, it must have been a nice excuse to produce the following teaser, which takes place in a "setting inspired by the penultimate scene from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey."

Starring that film's lead actor, Keir Dullea; "2011" was developed over a two year period. Live action was filmed multi-camera, against greenscreen atop a backlit plexi floor on a shoestring budget. Mr. Dullea was then integrated into an entirely digitally created CG set rendered at 1080HD.

o

Favorite This
Q
5

Comment

Comments

valerio volpe

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Clearly inspired by GANTZ
!Report as spam
Jo Jo

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

When living in a metaphorical digital cocoon just isn't enough and you want to go "all the way".
!Report as spam
Earthman

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Reminds me of Flight of the Navigator.
!Report as spam
Shalin

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

OMG - it's the physical form of http://www.zombo.com/ where you can "do anything, anything at all!" ;)
!Report as spam
Jo

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

This is more Woody Allen ( the "orgasmatic" in Sleeper, 1973) than Stanley Kubrick.
!Report as spam