Opportunities & challenges in computer graphics: turning scientific tools to successful real-life applications

Computer graphics technology has made considerable progress during the past decades, yet to date it frequently remains in the realm of science and technology practically inaccessible to most consumers. On the other hand, the recent rapid evolution of the computer gaming industry has created a ??left over?? computer graphics infrastructure available in almost every home. This revolution, pushed by strong market forces and competition of another industry, offers a unique opportunity for furthering computer graphics solutions and use them to create main stream, consumer oriented services and applications. These new application areas will go beyond the traditional outlets such as film or gaming and revolutionarize practically all aspects of life, art & science including health care, education, rehabilitation, and many more.