A northwest business with an amazing technology that could signal a step-change in interactive television entered the spotlight this weekend with an appearance on BBC national news. High-tech digital firm Real Time Race, based on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, was featured for its ability to create 3D virtual environments with such speed and accuracy, that if the technology were applied to live televised sporting events such as Formula 1, viewers could see themselves in a real live race alongside their sporting heroes.
A northwest business with an amazing technology that could signal a step-change in interactive television entered the spotlight this weekend with an appearance on BBC national news. High-tech digital firm Real Time Race, based on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, was featured for its ability to create 3D virtual environments with such speed and accuracy, that if the technology were applied to live televised sporting events such as Formula 1, viewers could see themselves in a real live race alongside their sporting heroes.
The technology produces computer generated imagery (CGI) using a series of lasers and cameras that send and receive signals to produce a 3D 'map' of any real space, such as that surrounding a Formula 1 track . This method of simulation recreates an environment in a matter of hours compared to the months it takes current technologies (e.g. in developing video games), the key being that the it does not use software to draw graphics of the environment but 'senses' the changing surroundings and recreates them in real time.
The most exciting application of Real Time Race's technology is simulation of any process that involves steering, hence the potential for Formula 1. This, together with the growth in applications for interactive television, offers the company its most exciting potential application. It is currently in talks with Formula One Management (the Formula 1 Rights Holder) and BBC, about the possibility of developing a version of current F1 on interactive television, that would enable the user to take part in a race by driving their virtual car in the real race alongside the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button - hence the company name 'Real Time Race'. Users of technology would be able to plug into a live broadcast or a recorded show, and take part in what is happening.
Chris Leigh, the Chief Executive of Real Time Race said:
'Speaking to the BBC and F1 are fantastic developments for the company at this stage. With interest from such a corporation as BBC, we are certain that this publicity opportunity will provide us with further prospects of taking our products to the market through channel resellers. It will also give us ability to licence the technology in multiple areas, like military simulation, nuclear decommissioning and police investigation'.
These developments for Real Time Race follow BBC's recent securing of a five year broadcast deal with Formula 1. The Programme is available for download from http://www.realtimerace.com.
- Ends -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/8333340.stm
