The “R-Screen” 3D viewer was premiered at the Laval Virtual Exhibition, a virtual reality, 3-D devices and interactive technology conference which took place in Laval, France, from April 22 to 26, 2009.

This device is the result of collaboration between Renault’s Information Technology Department and Clarté, the Laval Center for Virtual Reality Studies - which designed and built it. The 3D viewer enables users to walk around a virtual vehicle, as they would with a real vehicle.

SASCube system by Clarté

R-Screen is a motorized screen pivoting 360° and measuring 2.50 m wide and 1.80 m high. It follows the movements of the user in such a way as to always be directly in front of the user.

R-Screen adopted several 3DVIA Virtools modules, including their VR pack. The concept was developed by Clarté and patented by Renault.

A virtual, scale-one 3D image is displayed on screen. A computer updates the image according to the movements of R-Screen, enabling users to view the virtual vehicle from all angles.

The system was presented at the exhibition in two real-life situations: communication events (presenting a vehicle) and engineering use (checking feasibility for welding points).

The R-Screen 3D viewer offers a broad range of application possibilities. For example, it could be used to present the entire Renault product line-up at a meeting (rather than having to transport the actual vehicles), as well as for training and design.

Interview of Alexandre Bouchet, for A VR Geek Blog.

About Clarté

Situated in Laval (West of France), CLARTE is a technology center created in 1996 that acts as a research center in Virtual Reality and as an expert center working with companies.

CLARTE’s virtual reality platform is equipped with a "reality center" and a cubic system called SASCUBE.

Ergo Wide 3 by Clarté

For 3 years, CLARTE has worked on VR environments using force feedback, tracking systems and different haptic peripherals.

For more information visit clarte-asso.fr or laval-virtual.org.

(Source: Renault via Virtual Car, perspectives.3ds.com, Clarté)