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VirtueGraphics Create 3D Boat Show

VirtueGraphics has created a 3D demonstration of yacht mechanical equipment for boat shows. The 3 1⁄2 minute animation featured Quantum's "zero speed" stabilizers, which are hydraulic-powered devices located under water in the middle of the yacht. The animation compared the stability of a yacht equipped with the Quantum Controls stabilizer against a yacht without one.

"3D animation is the best solution to see what happens under water in a controlled way. It is also much more cost effective then true film since we can go with a "virtual" camera under any angle, or potential dangerous place," said John Koop, owner of VirtueGraphics.

"One of the problems in marketing this entirely new technology was the difficulty in explaining to prospective customers (yacht builders and yacht owners) exactly how the system worked," said Mike Perkins, vp of business development at Quantum Controls. "The company had an extremely good word-of-mouth network where the customers who had had the systems installed were very ready to expound on the benefits of the technology but new customers had real problems in understanding the basic physics and practical aspects of how the systems could serve in both modes of ship operations (underway and at anchor)."

VirtueGraphics initially exchanged e-mails with Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Quantum Controls about possible ideas for the animation. From there, VirtueGraphics made a storyboard to demonstrate the concept. When Quantum Controls approved the idea, engineers sent the studio AutoCad files of the stabilizers. Virtue Graphics then made models with the AutoCad files, then a small rendered version of the animation for approval before making the final product.

"The animations are played constantly on our computer screens at boat shows and have been a proven attraction," Perkins said. "Our company has expanded the use of animations to demonstrate the benefits of several of our new product/technology developments. We find these animations invaluable in making some of the very complicated physical and technical aspects of our products understandable."

The final animation was made in DVD and CD-ROM format, which enabled Quantum Controls to use the artwork in multiple marketing settings.

"Our main purpose is that the client will sell more products or services via these 3D animation tools. It's an investment with a huge return in the form of increased customers and increased sales," Koop said.

VirtueGraphics is a company that specializes in industrial visualization and medical animation. For more information, visit www.virtuegraphics.com.

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Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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