Immersion Launches New Digitizer, Maya Plug-in

Immersion Corporation released the MicroScribe G2, a new line of portable 3D digitizers that provide faster data transfer and are more portable than previous models. The MicroScribe G2 allows game developers to physically capture the properties of 3D objects and translate them into digital 3D models by using the tip of the articulated arm to trace the contours of the object to build 3D data sets. Designers can use most standard software applications with the MicroScribe to transform the data sets generated from the tracing points, lines or other geometric shapes into an accurate digital rendering of the object. The new MicroScribe has two communication ports, USB and RS-232 serial. A new version of MicroScribe Utility Software, formerly called InScribe, makes the MicroScribe compatible with applications lacking native MicroScribe support. This software ships with all MicroScribe G2 products. A new SDK will be available online for free at www.immersion.com that will allow users to develop their own Windows 98, NT, 2000, Me or XP applications for the MicroScribe G2. Immersion also announced MicroScribe Connections for Maya software, a new digitizing plug-in product that streamlines workflow and increases design performance and productivity for MicroScribe users. The MicroScribe Connections plug-in allows 3D position and orientation data from Immersion's MicroScribe digitizing hardware to be accessed directly by the Maya software interface. MicroScribe Connections for Maya allows designers to see the movement of the MicroScribe tip in real time, through a Maya scene, as it traces the contours of an object or sets the position of a light source. Designers can directly control the MicroScribe through a menu integrated into Maya, allowing for greater control over the modeling process. The four models of the MicroScribe G2 and range in price from $3,495 to $5,495. MicroScribe Connections for Maya costs $495.