CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

7 March 2008

Company News

Paris to Beijing: Dassault Systèmes’ 'Virtual Plus Reality Challenge', a Three-Dimensional Race Based on Innovative 3D Technologies

Dassault Systèmes (DS) affirms its commitment to the athletic arena with its “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge”, a new technological experience:

A technologically advanced mini-website based on the latest 3D solutions allowing the general public to watch the Paris-Beijing race run by renowned marathon runner Philippe Fuchs in real-time

A global premiere for science and sports with the Marseille Motion Science Institute using Philippe Fuchs’ biomechanical data to model his stride

A charity event in partnership with Sports Without Borders allowing the general public to join the marathon through an innovative Facebook application

Following its March 7 launch, the “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge” will continue through to Fuchs’ arrival in Beijing during the Summer Olympic Games.

Running for innovation in sports with Dassault Systèmes

Known for its 3D solutions helping companies to design, produce and recycle products ranging from airplanes to shampoo bottles, Dassault Systèmes’ 3D solutions are also being used to create innovative and high-performing sports applications, from stadiums to bicycles to running shoes. For example, leading sports apparel companies like Under Armour push the limits with Dassault Systèmes’ solutions to launch new products. The “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge” goes one step further, with 3D sports applications for the general public, a partnership with Sports Without Borders and a cutting-edge study combining sports and science.

A chance to experience Philippe Fuchs’ race in 3D on Dassault Systèmes’ mini-website

Fuchs supporters will be only a click away from the runner’s latest progress. A dedicated mini-website will allow fans to get his real-time position via a geolocation interface, video commentary on his cardiac performance, and multimedia updates from Fuchs himself of latest developments, thanks to his 3D avatar and Dassault Systèmes’ online TVnima1 broadcast application.

Boosting sports research with 3D technologies

After the 3D modeling of products as simple as a water bottle and as complex as a submarine, the next challenge is to model the human body and its functions. Thanks to Dassault Systèmes’ solutions, scientists have already modeled the human foot in 3D. In order to confirm the accuracy of this model, the Marseille Motion Science Institute, in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, will use biometric data gathered during Fuchs’ Paris-Beijing run to verify that the virtual foot does in fact behave like a real one, in all its complexity. The resulting scientifically proven 3D model foot, a first worldwide, will be used to promote advancements in sports medicine and equipment design, as well as optimize athletic training.

Open to all: the longest virtual race with Sports Without Borders

Dassault Systèmes invites the general public to join Fuchs in this charity race for Sports Without Borders via a Facebook application: virtual runners will be assigned 3D photorealistic avatars generated from 2D portraits and will select virtual running environments from a photo library. Once these steps completed, virtual runners will receive a video of their virtual run. They can also build support for Sports Without Borders by inviting Facebook friends to participate, which will result in the creation of a solidarity chain linking all friends’ videos in a single virtual relay. Dassault Systèmes will feature the longest and zaniest relays in its Virtual Relay Hall of Fame on the dedicated mini-website, as well as a real-time counter of virtual (and real) kilometers run.

The kilometers run by virtual participants will be added to those run by Fuchs, and Dassault Systèmes will contribute accordingly to Sports Without Borders’ efforts to improve the living conditions of children in Latin American, Africa and Asia with athletic programs. Dassault Systèmes’ partnership with this dynamic NGO will leverage the universal appeal of 3D solutions in order to build awareness and support of Sports Without Borders’ projects internationally.

To follow or participate in the “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge”, please visit: www.3ds.com/VplusR

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