AccelGraphics and Resolution Technologies Announce New Technology for Advanced 3D Graphics Performance for Browsers on the Internet/World Wide Web; Flying Carpet, a VRML 2.0-compatible Browser Plug-in, dramatically speeds up both viewing and downloading of Complex 3D Graphics Across Internet/Intranet.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1996--AccelGraphics Inc., the leading supplier of high-performance 3D graphics for Windows NT, and Resolution Technologies, developer of high-performance 3D graphics software, today demonstrated their new Flying Carpet technology that enables rapid downloading and viewing of complex 3D graphics images and data models across Internet/Intranet connections.

The software, which will come in the form of a browser plug-in for use with Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Explorer and other browsers, is designed to complement existing standards such as VRML 2.0 and Live 3D by enabling users to download and view highly complex 3D images (hundreds of thousands of triangles) even on systems that otherwise lack high-end 3D capabilities.

Flying Carpet is the result of joint development between AccelGraphics and Resolution Technologies. The underlying technology was originally pioneered for a major aerospace company to solve the problem of viewing very large 3D data sets which were beyond the capabilities of even the most expensive graphics workstations.

Subsequently, the technology has been completely rearchitected for use with the World Wide Web. By focusing on performance and optimization, this advanced technology can now be used effectively on lower priced systems -- a necessary requirement for browser plug-ins.

Jeff Dunn, president of AccelGraphics, noted "The World Wide Web is the most exciting area of computing today, and 3D graphics is fast becoming a key component. By combining our expertise in high-performance 3D solutions with Resolution's innovative visualization technology, Flying Carpet is solving a critical bottleneck for deploying high-end graphics on the World Wide Web: How to transfer and view complex 3D images across the Internet."

John Gass, president and chief executive officer of Resolution Technologies, commented, "The level of 3D performance available in Flying Carpet will astound most people. Users can interactively navigate 3D worlds through a browser like Netscape Navigator.

"These worlds can be defined in VRML using commands familiar to VRML authors on the World Wide Web, and optimized once they are on the viewing station. This technology will thus make the job of individuals working with industry standards such as VRML 2.0 and Live 3D more efficient while retaining full compatibility."

The Technology

The key technology components include view-frustrum culling, occlusion culling and geometric simplification techniques. These techniques eliminate surfaces that are on the back side of objects, hidden by other objects or outside the field of view.

Additionally, a unique and patented approach using volumetric indexing technology in combination with an object-oriented database clearly differentiates Flying Carpet from other technologies in the marketplace which are attempting to solve the "large model viewing problem."

As graphics are cleverly eliminated from complex 3D images, the speed of data that must be processed is dramatically improved. This optimization can be done once the data is already on the viewing station leading to faster display.

However, it can also be done before the file is sent over, therefore decreasing the time required to download over the Internet. Systems with even modest 3D graphics capabilities can now view and manipulate complex 3D images.

AccelGraphics (Booth No. 527) and Resolution Technologies (Booth No. 18) will both be demonstrating this new technology at SIGGRAPH.

Resolution Technologies Inc.

Resolution Technologies Inc. develops, markets and supports high-performance 3D graphics software for computer-aided design and visualization markets. Direct sales personnel, resellers and Internet distribution provide products to a wide variety of customers.

Resolution Technologies' software enables technical professionals to visualize and edit large 3D datasets and communicate 3D data worldwide. Resolution Technologies is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. and can be reached via phone at 206/646-6890. Fax: [phone]. Internet: [e-mail]. World Wide Web: http://www.restec.com.

AccelGraphics Inc.

AccelGraphics Inc. is the leading provider of high-performance NT-based 3D graphics hardware and software for computer-aided design, animation and visualization markets. Sales distribution is managed through select VARs, OEMs and technical distributors with expertise in these target markets.

AccelGraphics' 3D graphics accelerators enable technical professionals to visualize 3D data such as designs and models of mechanical parts and assemblies quickly and interactively, thereby dramatically enhancing user productivity when using 3D applications. AccelGraphics Inc. is headquartered in San Jose and can be reached via phone at 800/444-5699. Fax: [phone]. Internet: [e-mail]. World Wide Web: http://www.accelgraphics.com. -0-

Note To Editors: AccelGraphics and AccelPRO are trademarks of AccelGraphics Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Kinetix and 3D Studio MAX are trademarks of Autodesk Inc.

CONTACT: AccelGraphics Inc., San Jose

Greg Milliken, 408/441-1556

E-mail: [e-mail]

or

Sterling Communications Inc.

Carol Nash, 408/441-4100

E-mail: [e-mail]