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ShareWare OnLine Volume 2 (CMS Software)(1993).iso
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DPRC.BIO
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1993-04-17
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D.P. Research Corp. "Bio"
A bio is usually produced to describe a persons background and
experiences or elaborate their interests in order to reveal some
aspect of their motivation. Although D. P. Research Corp. is not just
a single person it does have experience, background, interests and
motivation. Then there is also the question of why we are not just
"lurking" here that can be addressed.
- Who we are
D. P. Research Corp. (DPRC) derives its name from the book Dream Park
by Larry Niven and Steven Barnes. The book served a catalyst for
the emerging ideas of our founders.
We did not name ourselves by the name Dream Park directly -- out of
deference to the authors. We also did not want to disappoint potential
guests when they found out that we existed but that there was no actual
"park" to go to yet. To carry out such a grandiose plan requires much
patience, as one of our engineers pointed out early on - "For a simple
skateboard park it takes 5 years just for the cement to cure!"
Quite some time after our formation in 1986 we discovered that the
name "Dream Park" has been trademarked by another company. When the
time is right an appropriate name will be chosen for our creation(s).
- Focus/Distinction
The ultimate product of DPRC is not just yet another theme park
or a hot new VR game to support a fad but a merging of technologies
that provides more than entertainment. We want to provide the
opportunity for individuals and groups to practice new behaviors
while being immersed in an entertaining environment and give them
a chance try on new ways of reacting to old problems and habits.
Guest experiences are unique because we use systems that engage
people with other people - not just man vs. machine. People come
for a memorable experience and return with a newfound knowledge
they can call thier own.
To make this possible will require a combination of live actors
(seasoned performers as bellmen), industrial specialists, personal
and group psychologists, game designers from multiple disciplines,
dedicated, guest-oriented front line personnel (tour guides with
real personality, waitpersons that really do enliven your experience)
and plenty of high-tech glue.
- Spokesperson
The assigned spokesperson for D. P. Research on CIS is Bob Racko
although other company people may log in from time to time.
- Experiences/Where we have been (April 1992)
Here are some of the skills contributed by
our collective staff members:
Process Control, Industrial Automation, Operating Systems Software,
Windowing Systems, Commercial Video Games, Special Effects Generation,
Compiler/Language Design, Fluid Robotics, Laboratory Automation,
Multi-Level Personnel Management, Costuming, Behavior Modification,
Architectural CADD, Laser & Sonar Ranging Systems, Voice Response
Systems, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Superconductors, Animation,
Cartooning, Home Heath Care, Set Design, Adult Education & Training
Courses, Large Scale Earthworks (Bridges/Dams/Tunnels/Silos),
Electronics, Landscaping, Servo Mechanical Systems, Hydraulics,
Hotel Management, Theme Park Traffic and Guest Services Analysis,
Entertainment and Entertainment Consulting, Rendering & Imaging Systems,
Biomedical Engineering, Legalized Gaming, Transport and Routing Services,
Database Design and Hyper Access Systems, Human Interface Design,
Eng. Project Management, Small, Medium and Large Scale Manufacturing
- Divisions/Projects
Of the four divisions of DPRC, two have direct interest in the
goings-on of the CIS VR project.
Telerobotics
This division produces consumer and industrial level products
for use in security, entertainment and specialized applications.
Products range from robot mine sweepers for use in the desert
to RC car add-ons. The telerobo division cares about new ideas
for force-feedback systems which the CIS VR folk are likely to
come up with.
Value Added Simulation
This division comes the closest to the work which CIS VR folks
are involved in. DPRC personnel have already conceived, built and
scrapped several "games" which one would call virtual realities.
Some were single-player others multi-player.
Some of these systems, in their early forms, were used to control
and be operator interfaces for manufacturing and production systems
in plants all over the world. Other products of ours are used like
one uses a flight simulator -- for training. In this case they are
used to train operators in handling plant upsets.
Underway is a long term project using a combination of VR and live
acting to augment the entertainment options of certain tourist-trade
industries.
DPRC is also evaluating a project aimed at "mental aerobics"
for the aging, This will most likely make use of current VR technology
in order to reduce the overwhelming unpleasantness and complexity
involved in the human interfaces that we youngsters have come to take
for granted (even in menu driven and touchscreen systems).
- Reason for assisting in/involvement with VR projects on CIS
Our founders long ago learned (the hard way) the value of
compatibility with standards (emerging, de-facto or committee defined).
We feel that the dedication expressed in this forum will lead to the
production of a protocol or file format that will become a standard for
experiencing VR. A standard which will allow potential artist/authors
to present us with more titles for entertaining our guests.
- Contact Address
D.P. Research Corp.
124 Mt Auburn St. Suite 200
Harvard Square,
Cambridge MA, 02138