The 3-D technology, which has taken the movie world, televisions and handheld devices by storm, is finding its way to theme parks. The Wrap takes a ride on one.
Dizzying ride on Space Fantasy, courtesy of Universal Studios and YouTube
Where else but in Japan, known for its innovative breakthroughs in technology, can one find 3D in a theme park on a rollercoaster?
According to a report from Mashable the new Space Fantasy attraction at Universal Studios Japan is the first big play to bring immersive 3D tracking and multi-touch technology to theme park rides.
Powered by technology created by GestureTek, Space Fantasy promises to be the ultimate ride experience.
Before the ride starts, visitors line up next to an 85-foot, motion-driven "Harmony Wall." There are 22 3D cameras and 13 projections systems integrated into the Wall, all powered by 16 rack-mounded quad core computers. This lets the system track the heads of up to 66 guests and 132 hands. The gestures and movements made by the individuals affect the entire experience.
Once on the ride the GestureTek software and camera technology lets the visitors directly interact and control the content on the screens around them. They can alter the images that are displayed around them just by gesturing their arms or making movements with their hands.
As the riders travel up a 98-foot, in-ride tunnel they can "collect" special "Stardust Clouds" from the interactive LED displays on the sides to help re-energise the sun, which is the ultimate goal of the ride.
All the activities in the tunnel take place without having to use touch panels or other controls as they just require hand and arm movements, which are tracked by the camera system. (Watch video)
