During the November 19 through 21, 2002, conference of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions—IAAPA—the Media Convergence Lab (in collaboration with UCF's Digital Media Program) hosted a hands-on demonstration of some of the latest boundary-melting simulation for entertainment. 

Media Convergence Lab demonstrations ran each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Institution for Simulation and Training.  Exhibits featured innovations from Canon Inc.’s Mixed Reality Systems Laboratory that erase boundaries between virtual reality and the physical world.

Opportunities to talk with virtual dolphins, fight off monster crabs, converse with cartoon characters, explore new frontiers in virtual forests and battle hostile forces in an urban terrain were only some of the experiences in the Media Conversion Lab’s display of simulation technology for entertainment.  

According to Christopher Stapleton, Director of Entertainment Research at the university’s simulation institute, this was an opportunity for creative designers and entertainment producers to open a window into the future to see what tools will be available to suspend the disbelief of audiences. 

The Media Convergence Laboratory was formed to advance creative research for the next generation of simulation media.  As the world center for experience-based entertainment and the modeling and simulation industry, Central Florida is fast becoming a leader in experience-based entertainment technology.  The Media Convergence Lab is helping diverse industries work together to bring simulation technology (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality) to a mainstream audience for use in entertainment, education, training and commerce.

The November 19 through 21 event launched the Mixed Reality Innovation Testbed for entertainment, sponsored by Canon Inc.  The exhibit showcased some of the results of a $50 million, 5-year research effort by Canon Inc. and the Japanese Ministry to create technology that bridges the real and virtual worlds.