• The resolution enables finer details to be modeled, tracked, given visual properties and observed.
• The advanced edge blending provides a seamless three-dimensional stereographic image around the session participants, drawing them into a virtual representation of their most complex data sets.
• The screen size provides a "relaxed intensity", allowing a project team to interpret and evaluate complex data without feeling tired or losing focus.
• The stereographic representation enables viewers to distinguish depth with greater clarity than in typical "3D" desktop programs, perfect for analyzing drillhole data or mining design layouts.

The power of VR lies in the ability to visualize information and make decisions based on what is seen, without going through elaborate mathematics or expensive trial and error processes. When placed in the mining context, where costs can exceed hundreds of millions of dollars, the benefit becomes immediately apparent. Decision makers from every part of your company can gather in a VR facility to understand the impact of their decisions on all aspects of the process - exploration, mine planning & design, operations and closure - and how this will affect the bottom line.

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VR allows companies to instantly see the financial impact of decisions on:

• Ore grade and excavation rates
• Mine planning
• Ground control methods
• Stress and seismicity
• Physical placement of stopes, ramps and other structures
• Scheduling human resources and equipment

Use VR to create "visual scientists" and support "visual engineers", where seeing is not only believing but also convincing.

Data Visualization
When a company's decision makers see their collective data in immersive VR, "light bulb moments" are inevitable, as the team identifies opportunities in their project: a new strategy; a better process; a defining trend. This is VR data integration, where multiple data sets can be compared, modified, combined; where huge amounts of data suddenly turns into pivotal, profitable information.

Exploration Review and Planning
Technical teams working together tend to make better decisions than the best practitioner working alone. Supported by the most sophisticated earth-modelling package, VR provides a means to get the team to focus on key issues and reach consensus on strategic goals - fast. A number of mining and exploration companies are already beginning to see immediate payback from immersive collaboration. The facility can also be utilised for pre-field trip briefings, or for knowledge transfer between company, staff, consultants, and management.

Mine Planning and Event Simulation
Event simulation has become very popular in manufacturing domains, and holds great potential for the mining industry. Examples include:

• Feasibility studies and mine plan audits
• Health and safety
• Mining technology prototyping and virtual testing

Acquisitions
Cut 20-50% of the time out of an acquisition evaluation. Virtual Reality is already doing this in oil and gas; it allows technical teams to integrate complex data and quickly understand key problem areas during intense property review sessions.

Investor Risk
Stereo VR increases the level of understanding and compresses evaluation times. Company Board members and potential key investors can gain a much better understanding of technical issues, identify areas of potential liability and thus gain a better understanding of investment risk.

Investor Relations
Brief financial analysts and investors on the potentials of a new prospect, find or property. With full multimedia capabilities, the VRL adds true 3D visualization to existing multimedia presentations, greatly improving understanding.

Amidst these and many other applications, it is clear that those who seize the opportunity will find themselves leading a technical revolution in the way research and business is conducted. Virtual Reality is not a wave of the future. It's a tool for the present.

Architecture, Urban Planning, City Planning
In August 2002, MIRARCO formed a strategic alliance with Toronto's DXNet, to provide VR visualization services for professionals in architecture, urban planning, and city planning, using the facility's flight simulation technology. DXNet's Advanced Visualization Centre (AVC) was used mainly by city planners, designers, and community groups to evaluate proposed changes and new developments within the urban environment. The facility has since closed but there is space available for presentations using a portable VR Studio.

MIRARCO carries out applied R&D projects with industry and institutions using the Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL) at Laurentian University's Centre for Integrated Monitoring Technology (CIMTEC). The VRL is a tool for successful model review and data interpretation for teams comprised of technicians, engineers, planners, managers, regulators, financiers, etc. The following are some of the key steps for companies to take advantage of the utility of the VRL.

1. Think Strategy
   First identify key strategic questions that must be answered. Identify one person to act as the session champion.
   Select a team of people that have the required technical expertise, too much data, the management know-how and the desire to find innovative solutions. In general we recommend that 5-8 people work in the facility at any one time.
   
   
2. Gather and Test the Data Model
   Gather a representative portion of data and transfer it to MIRARCO for initial evaluation. We will provide you with a clear indication of the amount of work required to transfer the data into a format used in the Virtual Reality facility. Typically, we can transfer data from existing models in a few days.
   Once the data is "visible", most teams start with a critical review and evaluation of their models.
   
   
3. The Virtual Reality Session
   The day prior to a session the facility's pilot will work with your project champion to review objectives and ensure that all data has been properly transferred. On the day of the session, team members are given a short briefing on the facility followed by an introduction to the goals of the session. A brief technical presentation is made to provide a common frame of reference for all participants.
   Typical sessions last 1 to 3 days, with most of the day being spent in the Virtual Reality facility. The facility's stereoscopic projection system and 22 foot radius screen provide a level of stimulation and visual clarity that makes it easy to maintain high concentration during this length of time.
   Collaborative data immersion provides real time interaction and allows far greater levels of co-operation and understanding between participants. This tool shortens project cycle time, improves interdepartmental communication, and allows to achieve goals more economically.
   
   
4. Reap the Benefits of Collaboration
   Our team would be happy to provide you with a tour and demonstration in our Sudbury facility and discuss VR's applications to your company. As a non-profit R&D corporation, MIRARCO offers you access to R&D grants that fund applied research and innovative technologies. Email reality@mirarco.org to book your demonstration.

   Explore the possibilities and discover how MIRARCO is "Turning Data into Gold".

• For large datasets in any discipline requiring VR expertise, the VRL is the best vehicle to meet your integration, manipulation, and visualization needs.
• VR Studios are located Sudbury, Timmins, Red Lake, and Thunder Bay. An international facility has been built in China, with planned installations in the US and Switzerland.
• Have a meeting or trade show in another city? Rent a Portable VR Studio for a collaborative session anywhere in the world!
• Turn-key systems also available for sale.
• Special rates apply to research contracts and grant-funded work.

Contact:

reality@mirarco.org

Andrew Dasys, Start-up Director
(705) 671-6613

Jane Djivre, Business Development Officer
(705) 675-1151 x. 5071