360-degree window
High definition TV, interactive gaming accessories and 3D goggles all work towards the gamer’s ultimate aim of putting us inside the game. While virtual reality systems are getting better at immersing us in a simulated experience of reality, one UK business has developed a visually arresting yet surprisingly simple solution.

Born out of the collaboration between Will Cavendish, an architecture student at Edinburgh University, and Oliver Collier, studying music technology, the PufferSphereTM, and soon to be released Puffer Immersive Mobile Sphere (PIMS), provides a 360-degree viewing window. Their company Pufferfish Ltd was formed in 2004 to commercialise their ideas for dynamic and portable visual display systems.

‘Like a balloon’
The PufferSphere system includes projection, specific lens technology and computer equipment fitted in to a base unit pod from which the screen inflates to an imposing three metres tall. Cavendish says, ‘It's like a balloon. All of our products at this stage involve inflatables.’

He continues, ‘We can use the screen in any way that we can use a flat screen. Because it's inflatable it's a very tactile product, people are often surprised when they approach the display. It's a dramatic sight in its own right but when you add the impact of moving imagery and colour intensity it takes on a life of its own.’

Digital campfire
The PufferSphere experience means that ‘audiences can see the same film but from different perspectives and in different time frames,’ explains Cavendish. ‘Some of the best uses have been for disparate audiences, where we've been doing music events or fashion shows using the displays to enhance the environment. Ollie refers to it as a digital campfire because it takes a central role in an environment’ and captures the audience’s attention.

Cavendish describes the PIMS as the natural next step, ‘There's a huge growth in 3D modelling software but little development of how we can view it. Our latest product allows us to take the immersive experience of virtual reality and take it to the client. The PIMS can be set up on site and allows a group of people to be fully visually immersed within an environment at a human scale.’

‘What we're doing is taking technology developed for the virtual reality industries such as military, oil and gas, construction and we’re creating our own software and putting it into mainstream products.’ And, with the Puffer Immersive Mobile Sphere, we will literally be able to enter another sphere of virtual reality.