Providing 3D urban space on the web

The Phantom 3D virtual urban space platform is an all-in-one web-based 3D production support service that provides tools for creating virtual urban space complete with functional shop, sales and account clearance facilities necessary for setting up a 3D virtual business on the internet. Phantom's highly realistic 3D is created using 3670 general-purpose large-scale IBM computers.

Create shops in streetscapes recreated from The Ginza, Aoyama, Shibuya, or Shinjuku.

Phantom recreates actual existing urban spaces in 3D. The virtual 3D space in Phantom includes famous Tokyo streetscapes from the Ginza, Aoyama, Shibuya and Shinjuku, which means it would be possible to set up a virtual shop in the virtual Ginza for example.

The presentation featured a Victor Full High-Vision 3D LCD monitor displaying a female avatar walking down the virtual Ginza street in real-time. The company's PR section sub-general manager Kazuhisa Suzuki says the 3D reproductions of the Ginza and Shibuya streetscapes and others have already earned a high level of acclaim with international companies as well.

A total package that includes account clearance functions.

If one mentions 3D Virtual space, Second Life immediately springs to most peoples' minds. Mr. Suzuki described the differences between Phantom and Second Life as follows:
"Second life certainly provides a high-degree of freedom, but it is up to the users, who are often not exactly sure what to do, to construct virtual buildings and sets up shops, and to become an actual tenant in Second Life presents some difficulties that must be overcome. However, as a 3D system aimed primarily at the Japanese market that includes account clearance functions, the Phantom total-package makes participating in 3D virtual business a much more convenient affair."

This virtual-space commercial service is due for launch on the internet on the 15th of October - and naturally Mr. Suzuki says his company is now inviting organizations to participate in the system.