A new service referred to as Media Façade Simulator has been launched. The system utilizes the SHIFT LINK system that connects virtual and real experiences.
Jointly developed by creative studios The Shift and aircord, the system allows simulation of digital signage on a browser, virtually creates a city using open data of the city, and plays video content. The entire simulation can be performed freely.
All the video contents are freely broadcast into buildings in a virtual version of Shibuya, allowing users to view it from any perspective, and change and make necessary edits to the content. In addition, ambient sounds recorded onsite have been incorporated to establish a sound system where the sounds adjust based on the location of the viewpoints. That makes it possible to get the whole simulator experience closer to the real space.
Users can access and use it by using the general web and phone browsers such as Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and many more. The best part here is there is no need for installations of apps or even plug-ins. Users can experience it by using web browsers that comply with web standards.
Media Façade Simulator supports numerous types of 3D city data formats and development with numerous 3D data formats is widely supported. Currently, they are using the PLATEAU city model open data.
PLATEAU is a project for the development, utilization, and open data of 3D city models by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. The project creates 3D city models as platform data for urban activities and makes use cases. Anyone can freely extract and use city data by releasing the project as open data.
Media Façade Simulator also uses the SHIFT LINK, which is a joint venture by The Shift and aircord. It is a hub system connecting people who experience through design and technology in both virtual and real environments. The hub system strives to develop interfaces in virtual and real-world spaces to connect numerous devices and equipment, as well as the services and people that use them.
The simulation on these can be performed from any equipment like a mobile phone or a desktop computer, freeing users from different limitations like the place, time, and people who limit the process of pre-visualization of real spaces. In turn, it will connect to a substantial increase in productivity for creative work.
One common concern that happens in video production is sharing and agreeing beforehand n the visuals of the projection concerning the actual location. That issue will be drastically improved with a simulator.
Aside from outdoor advertising, the system can be utilized in different settings like exhibition facilities, museums, event spaces, broadcast events, video exhibitions, and many more. That makes it possible to build a place for everyone who can’t physically visit the event to experience it instead.
In the future, aircord and The Shift plan to push the concept of SHIFT LINK to connect people more and experience design and technology in both real and virtual settings. They strive to develop a system that will synchronize the simulations on the web browser with the real broadcasting environment.
Some of the other plans are to use a digital twin to reflect the actual contents broadcast to the Media Façade Simulator. They will also be a 3D representation of landscape using AR and HMD glasses and devices by offering support for WebXR.
In addition to video content on signage, there will also be lightning such as LEDs, street lights, and moving lights that could be reflected in the simulator, making an inclusive representation of the cityscape. Visualization of data from sensors and IoT devices can also be placed around the city or incorporate the use of remote control tools.
