Published by the Communications
and Development Department
2 December 2003
Children’s reading has been transformed forever
thanks to the development of an interactive three-dimensional virtual
picture book launched by the Human Interface Technology Laboratory
New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) based at the University.
eyeMagic is a collaborative project
between the HIT Lab and noted New Zealand children’s author
and illustrator Gavin Bishop, currently the Ursula Bethell writer-in-residence
at the University.
Mr Bishop’s picture book, Giant Jimmy Jones, has been
brought to life by technology developed at the HIT Lab. When a reader
looks through a handheld display at the normal storybook, 3D animated
content leaps from the pages.
The book got the thumbs up from 10-year-old Lucas Keane from Somerfield
School who explored the book at the South Christchurch Library.
" It is terrific. I think it is great
and I can't wait until I’m 15 when there will be millions of
these books around".
HIT Lab NZ director Dr Mark Billinghurst said the project was
very significant as it was the first time a children’s picture
book had been transformed into virtual content using the Lab’s
technology.
" The HIT Lab and the University of Canterbury are trying to
create magic. Through this technology we can transport people to new
experiences," said Dr Billinghurst.
" This collaborative project between Mr Bishop and the Lab is
a world-first which shows one way in which virtual reality technology
could change the future of reading and enhance children’s learning
experiences.
"Although we are showing a children’s book here the same
technology has many possible commercial applications. In the future
a medical student could open a medical text book and see a virtual
model of the heart beating above a photograph of a real heart."
Speaking at the unveiling of the book, Minister for Economic Development,
Hon Jim Anderton, congratulated the HIT Lab for turning "academic
theory into creative output".
Mr Bishop said working on the project has been "the opportunity
of a lifetime".
" It has really extended my thinking in all directions and the
chance to work with dedicated and passionate people in fields different
to mine has been extremely stimulating. I can’t wait to put
my new knowledge to use in another magic book in the near future."
eyeMagic was funded by the Smash Palace Collaborations
Fund which was set up by Creative New Zealand and the Ministry of
Research, Science and Technology to encourage collaboration between
the arts and sciences.
The book will be on display at the South Christchurch Library until
mid-December.
For more information contact:
Dr Mark Billinghurst
Director
HITLab New Zealand
University of Canterbury
Christchurch
Ph 03 364 2403
Email mark.billinghurst@hitlabnz.org
Hit LabNZ Website: www.hitlabnz.org
or
Gavin Bishop's website: www.gavinbishop.com
