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Last week the 35th annual SIGGRAPH conference for computer graphics and interactive technologies took place at the LA Convention Center. As a first time attendee it was a mind-boggling smorgasboard of cutting edge developments in motion capture technology, computer animation, art, fashion, visual effects and more.

The conference is held in Los Angeles every other year (last year it was in San Diego) and draws an international attendance of artists, scientists, educators and industry professionals. If you missed it this year you’ll have to wait until 2010 to get your fix.

Over the course of five days the conference hosted various talks, classes, demonstrations, poster sessions, job and career development fairs, art exhibits, a Computer Animation Festival and even (gasp!) afterparties. Verily, every hallway floor of the LA Convention center was covered with brainiacs and their laptops, an unusual scene to behold.

Exhibitors included heavyweight such as Google, Pixar and Lucasfilm, Ltd. Also present, and no less impressive, were academic institutions such as Korea National University of Arts (K’ARTS) and lesser known operations such as LAIKA Entertainment.

The Art and Design Galleries featured stunning sculptures and textile patterns designed from mathematical formulas, the sheer beauty of it mimicking the complexity and symmetry of Nature’s flora and fauna. Several architectural models “printed” from 3D polymers were also prominently on display. Futuristic fashions incorporated sensors into pleats of fabric that moved or lit up according to the wearer’s moods. It is rather unfortunate photography wasn’t allowed in this section. You just had to see it for yourself.

Titles from some of the talks and classes at SIGGRAPH 2008 included:

• Advances in Real-Time Rendering in 3D Graphics and Games
• High-Dynamic Range Imaging for Artists
• 3D Printing for Art and Visualization
• Snow Avalance Effects for “Mummy 3”
• Fire Simulation and Rendering in “Beowulf”

Gamers could delight in drooling over the latest in graphics and motion capture technology used in designing uber realistic and sophisticated games. There was no lack of real-time demonstrations; facial and bodily movements could be flawlessly translated onto rendered avatars. 

Particularly interesting was the “immersion videography” booth where visitors can wear special goggles and view a complete underwater coral reef scene in any direction the head can turn. The technology uses a compound camera lens that captures information in 360 degrees (similar to a bug’s eye). The goggles sense which direction your head turns and adjusts the image accordingly so you feel as if you’re actually immersed in the scenery.

Another interesting technology was a prototype for interactive tactile software, the ultimate purpose of which is to simulate delicate procedures, such as surgery for medical training. The user simply places their hands on an interface (such as a joystick or fake scalpel) to interact with objects on the computer screen. The joystick provides tactile feedback for your hands (resistance, weight, reverberation) as you move, push and lift objects. It is incredibly intuitive to use and very realistic. The technology is said to be too expensive for gaming purposes but I can imagine the demand for this in the entertainment community!

Attending the SIGGRAPH convention, if even for a few hours, is an eye-opening if not mind-blowing experience. I could hardly hold a conversation with my companion as every turn provided another amazing thing to ogle and pull my attention in several directions. It literally feels like being a kid in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. That is, if you are a geek kid.

SIGGRAPH will be back at the LA Convention Center in 2010. Mark your calendars.