Search

EPA should continuously evaluate the computational models it uses in regulatory decisions and avoid using proprietary models, according to a National Research Council (NRC) committee. The recommendations came in a [...]

A research team led by Rod Hubbard at York University, England, wishes to demonstrate that their virtual reality headset could have commercial applications, such as in the field of molecular modelling and drugs design. Glaxo, the pharmaceutical company, is interested in using the equipment to manipulate protein molecules. Commercial applications for the equipment may be delayed until the cost is reduced. The York University headset costs between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds sterling.

The Hodos Train Driving Simulator, developed for British Rail which uses it for training drivers, is described and evaluated. The simulator is based on Digital Video Interactive (DVI) which enables video pictures, in this case of a driver's eye view of the journey from Reading to Aldershot, to be linked via a computer to authentic controls. DVI, made by Intel, converts analogue pictures and sounds to digital, thus enabling up to an hour of video to fit on to one CD-ROM. At 60,000 pounds sterling the DVI simulator compares well on cost with the alternative Laserdisc simulators from GDI and Marconi.

'Championship Manager,' a football management game available for IBM PC-compatibles, the Commodore Amiga and Atari SI is evaluated. The simulation includes league clubs, players, managers and coaches as well as permitting play in a range of league and cup competitions in the UK and Europe. Management tasks include not only picking players, formations and strategy for a game but also buying and selling players and club staff. 'Championship Manager' is slow to get started, particularly in the Amiga version, but absorbing to play.