MetaVR News Volume VI, Issue 1 December 2, 2002 http://www.metavr.com MetaVR makes software that enables you to create and run your photo-realistic 3D virtual worlds on PC image generators. In This Issue: 11.A - MetaVR Chosen For TUAV Embedded Trainer 11.B - MetaVR Becomes Formal Supplier of After Action Review Visual Systems for the AVCATT Production Simulators 11.C - Boston Dynamics (BDI) and MetaVR Field Multiple DI-Guy Enabled Systems 11.D - Announcing MetaVR VRSG 3D Content 11.E - New Physics-Based MetaVR IRserver Fielded 11.F - WorldPerfect Virtual Light Table Now Available 11.G - MetaVR Demos at this Year's I/ITSEC Trade Show Will Feature Urban Training Environments 11.H - MetaVR Sporting a New Look - New Web Site and Logo --------------------------------------------------------- 11.A MetaVR Chosen For TUAV Embedded Trainer AAI Corp. has selected MetaVR's Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) as the 3D synthetic payload visualization system for the tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) Ground Control Station (GCS) embedded trainer. The U.S. Army has recently approved production of 44 TUAV systems. Each system is comprised of three air vehicles, two ground control stations, two ground data terminals, a launcher, a tactical automatic landing system, and an aerial vehicle transport. Each GCS vehicle will be manufactured by AAI to include the MetaVR software running on a ruggedized PC using retail-level consumer graphics hardware. MetaVR's real-time 3D software provides the synthetic camera payload view as an embedded visual system within the TUAV trainer. The TUAV GCS PCs run a variety of software, including the JTC/SIL MUSE air vehicle and datalink simulation software which enables the crew to train as they would actually use the system in combat. Used as a simulator, MetaVR's UAV visualization technology replaces the camera payload view that the operator sees. Used as an augmented reality system, VRSG can provide visual tactical situational awareness of the real UAV during its mission. MetaVR is the primary 3D real-time UAV visualization simulation system provider for: - Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) embedded trainer - Multiple Unified Simulation Environment (MUSE) - Air Force Synthetic Environment For Reconnaissance and Surveillance (AFSERS) - Digital Battlestaff Sustainment Trainer (DBST) For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/TUAV.html http://www.metavr.com/ruggedrackmounteconomy.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.B - MetaVR Becomes Formal Supplier of After Action Review Visual Systems for the AVCATT Production Simulators In early 2000, L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training contacted MetaVR to procure an evaluation unit as a potential candidate for providing the 3D visuals for the AVCATT simulator after/during action real-time visual system. At the time, L3 was conducting an evaluation effort to determine the most likely candidate to support their visual simulation requirements. For over a year during the evaluation, MetaVR added requested features at no cost to our VRSG product until it provided the full and required AVCATT functionality. These efforts resulted in MetaVR PC-based visuals being chosen for the AVCATT-A production simulators as the after/during action real-time visual system. An AVCATT suite is a mobile truck mounted system comprised of reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room, and an after action review theater. As a real-time simulation review system, a networked MetaVR Economy Ruggedized Rackmount VRSG PC provides the 3D visual depiction of the live AVCATT training scenario in the theater. As an after action review system, the AVCATT recorded network simulation traffic is played back and visualized on the MetaVR system. Terrain database correlation across simulators is established as the MetaVR system uses SEDRIS transmittals converted into the MetaVR optimized MDX run-time format. All MetaVR systems used for the AVCATT training device are currently delivered with the CCTT Primary 2 (P2) and the MetaVR Primary2 Improved (P2I) National Training Center (NTC) terrain databases at no additional cost. The current MetaVR P2I terrain database depicts 1-meter natural color imagery over 30 meter tinned elevation. All the road networks from the legacy SimNet NTC terrain database are propagated into P2I and augmented with GIS vector data. P2I was accepted by the Ft. Rucker Combat Aviation Simulation (CAVSIM) facility as an operational training terrain database for their reconfigurable helicopter simulators in autumn 2002. This same terrain database is currently being used by the Montana National Guard for their upgraded SimNet ground vehicle simulators. The CTDB format P2I is provided as part of the terrain database delivery for use with SAF systems such as OneSAF, JSAF, and so on. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/ruggedrackmounteconomy.html http://www.metavr.com/technology/evolutionNTC.html http://www.metavr.com/dr_framed_event_021901.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.C - Boston Dynamics and MetaVR Field Multiple DI-Guy Enabled Systems VRSG now supports high-fidelity dismounted infantry visualization using the new Microsoft DirectX-based DI-Guy from Boston Dynamics for applications such as Urban Warfare, Future Combat Systems, and Forward Observer Training. DI-Guy provides highly realistic dismounted infantry and civilians and supports joystick control of individual characters, enabling VRSG's 3D visualization product line to reach a wider range of user applications. 12 MetaVR's VRSG systems with the new MetaVR First Person Simulator (FPS) plugin were purchased for use by the Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab (UAMBL) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky for Future Combat System (FCS) simulation experiments. FPS is used to provide an individual level tele-presence, realistically animated by DI-Guy, in the virtual world in real-time. In the FCS experiments the trainee is immersed in a military operation in urban terrain (MOUT) scenario involving several hundred thousand building structures in Eastern Europe. FPS replaces the UAMBL legacy soldier 3D visual workstations for both the desktop joystick and immersive modes. For the immersive training mode, the MetaVR FPS is integrated with a projector-based system that uses an instrumented motion tracking life-like M4 infantry rifle as the soldier interface to the simulated 3D world. The US 25th Infantry Division is using a MetaVR and DI-Guy enabled CAVE simulation to train soldiers in forward observer artillery scenarios. Ft. Benning, Georgia uses the DI-Guy enabled VRSG to visualize dismounted infantry in their networked simulations. For more information, see: http://www.bdi.com/ http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/firstpersonsim.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/diguy.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.D Announcing MetaVR VRSG 3D Content MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) Version 4 includes over 50 3D real-time vehicle models that are included with the runtime license. The models are constructed from high-resolution photographs of actual vehicles and feature highly detailed geometry, multiple levels of detail, thermal signatures, damaged states, articulated parts, and at least three paint schemes. All the 3d models are in our new HPX model format supported in VRSG version 4 and are MetaVR IRserver-ready (see 11.E) to support time real-time, physics-based thermal sensor viewing within VRSG. The new VRSG version will initially include 50 models, followed by subsequent releases of 50 additional models in 2003, at no additional charge to Version 4 users. VRSG version 4 will include software enhancements as well as the new models and will be available in the first quarter of 2003. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/3Dcontent.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.E - New Physics-Based MetaVR IRserver Fielded A MetaVR IRserver has been purchased and fielded at the Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab (UAMBL), Ft. Knox, Kentucky for use with their Future Combat System (FCS) simulation experiments (see 11.C). The MetaVR IRserver enables computer image generators (CIGs) to render a physics-based simulated infra-red (IR) real-time scene. The IRserver is an open-architecture, CIG-independent, network- based IR simulation that uses extensions to the DIS protocol to communicate with the image generators it services. The IRserver runs on a dedicated computer on the simulation network and can service multiple channels rendering IR scenes. The IRserver supports running heterogeneous sensor types that are running simultaneously. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/products/IRserver.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.F - WorldPerfect Virtual Light Table The MetaVR WorldPerfect workstation now features a multi- positional Wacom tablet that serves as a virtual light table to help users easily lay out features on a terrain database. Taking advantage of the Radeon 9700 Pro card's dual screen support, users can iteratively build up feature content while viewing the 3D result in VRSG. Both VRSG and WorldPerfect are fully supported on the new ATI PC graphics card. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/worldperfect_workstation.html http://www.metavr.com/products/3daccelerators.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/vrsgoverview.html ----------------------------------------------------------- 11.G - MetaVR Demos at this Year's I/ITSEC Trade Show Will Feature Urban Training Environments New VRSG 3D content, WorldPerfect on a virtual light table, the new MetaVR IRserver, and MetaVR VRSG radar simulation (new product announcement) will be among the features on display in the MetaVR I/ITSEC booth #1264. At I/ITSEC, MetaVR will demonstrate synchronized multi-channel visuals as well as interactive 3D terrain-creation systems using high-resolution photo-realistic imagery as the basis for the demonstrated virtual environments. Featured will be a 9-geocell MOUT terrain database with 15 cm natural color imagery at the highest resolution area. This urban training database features buildings constructed from architectural data and digital photographs of all building faces. The VRSG First Person Simulator (FPS) using Boston Dynamics DI- Guy will be depicted simulating a soldier in an Objective Force Warrior uniform and equipment configuration. A simulated micro- UAV and soldier scenario will be demonstrated showing how the micro-UAV enables dismounted infantry to see around building corners without exposing themselves during urban combat. Our 54-geocell Southwest USA terrain database will be on display as a 3-channel synchronized visual system. The database features built-up areas that include the National Training Center (NTC), Nellis Air Force Base (with one-foot color natural imagery), and China Lake. The China Lake area features data provided in the portable source initiative (PSI) format, developed by NAVAIR. This configuration is similar to that of the A-10 Full Mission Trainer Simulators that are being fielded on an ongoing basis. Among the various IITSEC displays that use MetaVR technology, of particular note is the STRICOM exhibit. MetaVR forward observer technology will be on display in the STRICOM area as prototypes of GUARDFIST II and Advanced GUARDFIST. These simulations use an instrumented Mini Eye-safe Laser Infrared Observation Set (MELIOS) device that provides a simulated 3D view when the user looks into the monocle. A simulation of the Army's new Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) incorporating MetaVR visuals will also be on display. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/itsec2002.html http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/fwsa10.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/immersim.html http://www.metavr.com/outtheoptic.html http://www.metavr.com/products/vrsg/firstpersonsim.html --------------------------------------------------------- 11.H - MetaVR.com Sporting a New Look - New Web Site and Logo If you haven't been to www.metavr.com lately, check out our newly designed Web site. It has been redesigned to be easier to find the information you need about our products and technology. You can see our new logo on the MetaVR website and in the latest issues of Aviation Week and Space Technology, Defense News, Simulation and Training, and ISR. For more information, see: http://www.metavr.com/ **************************************************************** Previous issues of MetaVR News can be found at http://www.metavr.com/aboutus/newsarchive.html. 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