Japan

Aug 17, 2005

Government into virtual reality TV

TOKYO - The Communications Ministry will establish an industry-academia-government research and development organization this year that will work to commercialize VR (virtual reality) television by 2020.

VR TV will enable images to be seen in 3-D from any angle at a quality equivalent to that offered by high-definition TVs, in addition to allowing viewers to feel and smell the objects they are watching.

The government hopes that by supporting the project, it can help Japan maintain its technological edge.

When these features are used on home shopping programs, for example, viewers will be able to examine products by seeing them from various angles and feeling them. VR TV technology will also likely be used in telemedicine and other fields.

Recreating tactile sensations and odors is expected to be the biggest hurdle to commercialization.

To simulate the sensation of touch, researchers are considering using means including ultrasound, electrical stimulation and wind pressure. For smells, the development of a device that mixes natural aromatic essences to recreate particular scents will likely be given a major focus.

In addition, studies of human neural pathways and an array of related basic research are expected to be carried out.

The ministry plans to ask for a budget of more than one billion yen (US$9.1 million) for fiscal 2006 to fund research and development projects relating to the commercialization of VR TVs, including one aimed at developing 3-D imaging systems. It aims to continue priority funding for VR TV-related projects in fiscal 2007 and beyond.

(Asia Pulse/Nikkei)

Taiwan Hotels

Seoul Hotels

Malaysia Hotels

Hong Kong Hotels

Sydney Hotels

Beijing Hotels

Head Office: Rm 202, Hau Fook Mansion, No. 8 Hau Fook St., Kowloon, Hong Kong
Thailand Bureau: 11/13 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Kirikhan, Thailand 77110