MetaVR News Volume VII, Issue 3 Dec. 1, 2003 http://www.metavr.com MetaVR makes software that enables you to create and run high resolution photo-realistic 3D virtual worlds on PC image generators. In This Issue: 14.A - U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Simulator Upgrades 14.B - Forward Observer Special Operations Training Sales 14.C - MetaVR Announces Metadesic 14.D - MetaVR Unveils Conner's Corner Game Reviews 14.E - MetaVR Systems Now Shipping With New Genlock Graphics Card 14.F - Future Combat System Sales 14.G - MetaVR 3D Content Update 14.H - MetaVR Support for Refueling Simulations 14.I - MetaVR Technology Featured at Recent Simulation Industry Trade Shows 14.J - MetaVR at I/ITSEC 2003 in Booth #1361 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.A - U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Simulator Upgrades As part of a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)-sponsored effort, Ft. Leonard Wood recently purchased 25 VRSG, 12 MetaVR First Person Simulator (FPS), one WorldPerfect terrain creation application, and 4 VRSG version 4 upgrade licenses as updates to their existing ground combat simulation infrastructure. An additional 21 VRSG licenses were distributed across Ft. Sill and Ft. Benning. The TRADOC effort uses the MetaVR visuals to upgrade each respective site's Advanced Concept Research Tool (ACRT) image generators; the FPS dismounted infantry simulation software is used to upgrade their soldier visualization workstations. These sales increase the total TRADOC upgrades purchased in 2003 to 86 VRSG, 24 FPS, 1 WorldPerfect, and 4 VRSG 4 upgrades. Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Knox, Ft. Sill, and Ft. Benning all can share common terrain databases among their ground vehicle and infantry simulators by using correlated MetaVR format and OneSAF terrain for both the visuals and SAF systems. http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/vrsgoverview.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/firstpersonsim.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.B - Forward Observer Special Operations Training Sales Fidelity Technologies Corporation recently purchased 16 VRSG and 1 WorldPerfect licenses, and a 3D terrain database of a U.S. training facility as part of their Call for Fire Trainer (CFFT) product. In conjunction with ongoing Fidelity purchases, NLX has purchased 4 VRSGs for its special operations air ground interface simulator (SAGIS). Fidelity's CFFT is one component of NLX's SAGIS system. These purchases will be used for training Special Operations with the next generation U.S. Army laser designator targeting capability by simulating the U.S. Army's Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR). Both Fidelity and NLX will demonstrate these systems in the U.S. Army PEO-STRI-SAGIS booth #2070 at I/ITSEC 2003, which follows a similar demonstration held at the PEO STRI booth at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference [see #14.I for more information]. [See 14.J for MetaVR participation at I/ITSEC 2003.] This Forward Observer technology builds upon MetaVR's previous product support for the MELIOS simulator and the Czech artillery trainer. http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/forwardobserver.html http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/artillerytraining.html http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/docs/990609-asb_gust/sld012.htm http://www.metavr.com/ausa03.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/immersim.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.C - MetaVR Announces Metadesic Metadesic is MetaVR's revolutionary virtual terrain architecture that is designed to overcome a variety of short-comings associated with projection-based, monolithic, visual databases. Through this architecture improvements are realized in database production, distribution, storage, update, as well as many run-time and mission function benefits. The following list summarizes the goals of the Metadesic architecture: - A geocentric terrain representation to accurately represent earth curvature and handle polar regions correctly - A pageable format to enable databases of arbitrary resolution and geographic coverage - Support for sparse overage where the areas to be included in the database need not be rectangular - A metadata-free design whereby the indexing overhead of the terrain data does not scale with geographic coverage or resolution of the source data - The ability to update small regions of the database in short periods of time without the need to restart the runtime system - The ability to incrementally update the database by adding to its coverage or updating pre-compiled regions with newer source data - A more robust database generation process that can be parallelized and restarted following computer or software failure The Metadesic architecture has already been reduced to practice and implemented in a cross service exercise covering hundreds of geocells by one of MetaVR's core customers. The scalability and robustness of the architecture proved invaluable throughout the preparation, fielding, and training stages of the exercise. Not only were multiple hardware resources brought to bear against the magnitude of the terrain compilation on this geographic scale in order to achieve a short deadline, but the constraints on storage of the resulting terrain were relaxed due to the autonomy of Metadesic tiles (there is no monolithic database, hence no need for large single volume disks). Further, over the course of the fielding process, Metadesic tiles built with initially low-resolution source data were updated with improved and higher-resolution source data and "integrated" simply by adding directory references to the run-time image generator's list of available terrain. The pay-off for the development of the Metadesic architecture was realized in the visualization component of this exercise. The geocentric coordinate system used for the terrain representation enabled accuracy in simulation of targeting and intervisibility operations that did not degrade as a function of range. This was one of the key goals noted above and results in better training of operators, pilots, navigators, and drivers. Likewise, the terrain sparsity (distributed, non-rectangular nature of the virtual database) afforded modular configuration of terrain for each system being simulated. Any given simulator was burdened only with the terrain needed to accomplish its training task, but that terrain came from a central pool shared by all the simulator assets. http://www.metavr.com/technology/metadesic.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.D - MetaVR Unveils Conner's Corner Game Reviews MetaVR technology attempts to replicate the high-quality visual characteristics typically found in PC and console games within the rigors of a visual simulation environment. We believe that games and visual simulation are rapidly converging; the crossover of games to visual simulation has already occurred. See the new Connor's Corner section of our web site for reviews of the latest console games from a visual simulation perspective. http://www.metavr.com/technology/connerscorner/MetaVR_ConnersCorner.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.E - MetaVR Systems Now Shipping With New Genlock Graphics Card MetaVR is now shipping IG complete systems with new nVidia FX3000G cards. The FX 3000G enables frame and buffer synchronization across multiple systems to create scalable solutions and visualization clusters for simulation, collaborative engineering, and design reviews. The FX 3000G also enables synchronization to external house-sync signals for introduction of external data and video editing solutions. For complete IG systems, MetaVR uses NVidia Quadro FX3000G-based graphics hardware from PNY Technologies, Inc. NVidia Quadro FX3000G by PNY offers: - Dual-link TMDS with QUXGA display out of one dual-link output, and another display (either 1600x1200 digital or 2048x1536 analog) out of the second display. - Massive memory bandwidth between the GPU and gfx memory (27.2 GB/s) makes it ideal for communicating between GPU and frame buffer. - Fragment shader capability which is ideal for medical imaging and high-resolution imaging applications. - Genlock and frame lock capabilities with programmable API extensions (MetaVR ChannelSync, which has been shipping since 1998, provides alternative to board frame lock). NVIDIA QuadroR FX 3000G by PNY Performance Features - Genlock capabilities - Frame lock / Swap Lock capabilities - Dual-link TMDS - drive one digital display up to QUXGA 3840x2400 and another at 1600x1200 digital simultaneously - Dual 400MHz RAMDACs - Full 128-bit floating-point precision pipeline - 12-bit subpixel precision - 8 pixels per clock rendering engine - High-speed 256MB DDR SDRAM - 128-bit color precision (32-bit per component) - Fully programmable GPU (OpenGL 2.0/DirectX 9.0 class) - AGP 8X/4X and AGP Texturing Support - Hardware OpenGL overlay planes - Hardware-accelerated two-sided lighting - Hardware-accelerated anti-aliased points & lines - Hardware-accelerated stippled lines - 2nd generation hardware occlusion culling - OpenGL stereo support up to 3840x2400 A representative from PNY Technologies, Inc. (email: Quadrobuy@pny.com ) will be present in MetaVR's booth at I/ITSEC 2003, with both static and demonstration hardware. [See #14.J.] MetaVR systems with commercial graphics cards give you true hardware independence for your IG solution. http://www.metavr.com/products/3daccelerators.html http://www.pny.com/quadro http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/channelsync.html http://www.metavr.com/downloads/metavr_news_11_24_98.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.F - Future Combat System (FCS) Sales General Dynamics recently obtained 11 VRSG version 4 hardware and software upgrades to achieve interoperability with their newly purchased MetaVR IR Server license. MetaVR's General Dynamics Demo III UGV 3D model was provided with the OpenFight source material as part of IRserver purchase. General Dynamics will be testing several simultaneous sensor types and configurations for their FCS prototype vehicles using the IRserver. Micro Analysis and Design (MAAD) recently purchased a MetaVR VRSG IG Cube visual system and the U.S. FCS training facility terrain database that MetaVR built for General Dynamics. [See MetaVR News Volume VII, Issue 2.] MAAD will use the database with VRSG for robotic experiments. The U.S. FCS Training Facility terrain database was built from LIDAR 1 meter elevation data and 0.3 meter imagery. http://www.metavr.com/technology/terrain-ugv-fcs.html http://www.gdls.com/images/robotics_HR.jpg http://www.metavr.com/ig-cube.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/vrsg3dcontent/land_big/UGV-gen.jpg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.G - MetaVR 3D Content Update MetaVR has introduced a 3D photo-specific model standard that provides for a one-to-one mapping between photographic elements and unique vehicle geometry over all primary surfaces. The new photo-specific models library includes the former Soviet Union Black Eagle, T-90, T-72 M1, and T-72 M4CZ developed jointly with RealDB. Also new to MetaVR's 3D content is a set of 41 photo-realistic models of structures at the Nellis Air Force Base. These new models were created from actual photographs of buildings and other structures at the airbase; many follow MetaVR's new convention for creating photo specific models. These models will be part of MetaVR's Future Combat System U.S. Training Facility and Southwest USA (SWUSA) terrain databases on display at I/ITSEC. [See #14.J.] Recent updates to VRSG 3D model library include the addition of a new library of nearly 100 commercial cars, trucks, and vans. Now shipping with WorldPerfect 3D libraries are: - 50 volumetric tree models, each with 4 seasons licensed from Bionatics. - 52 new construction models, including jersey barriers, generators, traffic cones, pipes, dumpsters, cement mixers, and so on. http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/VRSG3Dcontent-com-land1.html http://www.realdb.qc.ca/ http://www.bionatics.com http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/mtswusa_db.html#viper http://www.metavr.com/technology/evolution3Dcontent.html#standard ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.H - MetaVR Support for Refueling Simulations The 3D vehicle model library that is delivered with MetaVR VRSG version 4 contains a set of models that include sufficient geometric detail such that the challenging operation of aerial refueling can now be simulated using MetaVR technology. A primary US Air Force refueling aircraft is the KC-135. The MetaVR 3D model of this aircraft has an articulated flyable and telescoping refueling boom with a modeled rear-window operator station. The refueling port on the aircraft to receive the fuel is modeled to the dimensions of the real aircraft and includes lights embedded in the refueling bay. The lights inside the refueling port are used as a guide for the boom operator. The refueling boom itself is modeled in detail to include the nozzle at the end of the probe. A high-fidelity collision detection model will be required on the simulator host side to model the refueling probe and port convergence accurately. http://www.metavr.com/technology/aerialrefueling.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/VRSG3Dcontent-mil-air1.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.I - MetaVR Technology Featured at Recent Simulation Industry Trade Shows MetaVR technology was demonstrated at the 125th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference and Exhibition, which was held September 15 - 17, 2003 at the Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. On a recently purchased MetaVR Portable Multi- Channel IG System, Lockheed Martin demonstrated several components of an F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC) pilot training system, presenting the "Train the Way You Fight" simulation reality. The demonstration F-16 MTC uses MetaVR's Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) for the out-the-window visual imagery generation. The Lockheed Martin F-16 Mission Training Center demonstration system included an instructor- operator station, a role player station, and a 220-degree by 130-degree dome system. The system was running VRSG. The 4-channel MetaVR PC image generator drove a Glass Mountain Optics WASP II display system using BARCO LCD projectors, running at 1600 x 1200-pixel resolution with 4-sample anti-aliasing at 60 Hz. The simulator flew an 18-geocell geospecific terrain database of Idaho, with imagery as high as 1 foot resolution. Each synchronized channel provided an 80-degree field-of-view with over 100 kilometers of visibility range. Lockheed Martin will be demonstrating this same system at I/ITSEC 2003, in Booth #983. MetaVR technology was also demonstrated at the recent Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference that was held in October, 2003. In the PEO-STRI booth Fidelity Technologies demonstrated its Call for Fire Trainer (CFFT) which uses MetaVR VRSG for its Artillery Trainer and Simulation System. Also in the booth NLX demonstrated the SAIG system, which uses MetaVR technology to prototype and demonstrate the next generation Forward Observer by simulating the U.S. Army's LLDR. This Forward Observer technology builds upon MetaVR's previous product support for the MELIOS simulator and Czech artillery trainer. http://www.metavr.com/ngaus03.html http://www.metavr.com/portable-multichannel-ig.html http://www.metavr.com/ausa03.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.J - MetaVR at I/ITSEC 2003 MetaVR will exhibit its products at the annual I/ITSEC trade show in Booth #1361. The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference and Trade Show will be held December 1-4, 2003, at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL, USA. MetaVR will demonstrate its new MetaVR Metadesic virtual terrain architecture [see #14.C] with WorldPerfect and VRSG, SAR and DRLMS capabilities for VRSG Radar simulation, availability of its commercial genlocked and frame-locked multi-channel image generator, and the significant additions to the MetaVR 3D model libraries. The databases that MetaVR will demonstrate will include new cultural feature assets from MetaVR's 3D model libraries such as volumetric tree models in 4 seasons, 41 photo-realistic models of structures at the Nellis AFB (many of which are also photo-specific), and a set of 60 commercial vehicle entities. Among the 3D terrain databases that MetaVR will demonstrate are: Ft. Campbell, Ft. Benning, enhanced NTC, Southwest USA (which includes the Nellis AFB models) and the new U.S. Military Future Combat System Training Facility terrain database. New VRSG environmental scene effects that will be shown on the databases include dynamic terrain and volumetric clouds. Representatives from PNY Technologies, Inc. and RealDB Inc. will be available in the MetaVR booth, to answer questions about their products and use of their products with MetaVR technology. http://www.metavr.com/iitsec2003.html http://www.iitsec.org http://www.realdb.qc.ca/ http://www.pny.com/quadro/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Previous issues of MetaVR News can be found at http://www.metavr.com/aboutus/newsarchive.html. MetaVR News is comprised of over 7,300 e-mail addresses collected from company correspondence and public forums comprised of those who have interest in visual simulation. This electronic newsletter may be redistributed without restriction in any format as long as the contents are unaltered. Copyright 2003, MetaVR, Inc. Requests for subscription to MetaVR News can be sent to news_request@metavr.com. Email sent to no_news@metavr.com will forgo receipt of this newsletter.