MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator(VRSG™) With Tracker Support

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Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG™) With Tracker Support

MetaVR's VRSG supports 3 or 6 degree-of-freedom position tracking technology from InterSense. This capability totally immerses users in a simulated world with either a handheld visual device or a head-mounted display (HMD). VRSG's tracker support is integrated directly with the display mechanism such that latency is minimized during rapid movements by the user.

The adjacent image shows a single-channel VRSG integrated with a Mini Eye-safe Laser Infrared Observation Set (MELIOS). A MELIOS is a hand-held laser range finder containing a single 7X optic. This device is used by Marine FO/FAC units to accurately determine locations of targets for both artillery and close air support missions.

InterSense inertial sensor-based IS-300 tracker mounted on a MELIOS shell

An InterSense inertial sensor-based InertiaCube2 tracker has been mounted on a MELIOS shell with a miniature CRT in place of the optics.

An actual MELIOS is shown here, outfitted with a miniature CRT display where the optics would normally be. The CRT display is driven by a VRSG system providing the "out-the-optic" view. The compass and inclinometer normally mounted on the MELIOS have been replaced with an inertial sensor InterSense InertiaCube2 tracker. The InertiaCube2 feeds orientation data to the VRSG via a serial interface so that the visual system driving the miniature CRT can render the simulated view from the correct perspective with virtually no perceivable latency.

In simulation training facilities, MetaVR visualization software works with simulated hardware. For example, when a simulated LLDR device is coupled with MetaVR's 3D visualization technology, MetaVR VRSG generates the simulated sensor video 3D scene and the range and coordinates of the designated target. When an operator lases on a target, a DIS PDU is transmitted to indicate the range designation information to other simulations on the network.

Images to the right are front and back views of Minerva Engineering's simulated Ground Laser Target Designator (GLTD) II device. (Images courtesy of Minerva Engineering.)

MetaVR VRSG supports Ascension Technology's Flock of Birds Tracker. Tracking accuracy is unaffected by the nearby presence of conductive metals including aluminum and stainless steel. Other benefits include: no reduction of measurement rates, ability to track up to 4 sensors at a range of up to 3.05 meters, 6 degrees-of-freedom.

VRSG supports the Polhemus SCOUT tracker. This self-contained 6DOF head-tracker eliminates the need for a system electronics unit. The 6DOF helmet mounted sensor communicates its position and orientation directly to the host PC and image generator. The source and sensor microelectronics are fully encapsulated,
providing robust physical and mechanical characteristics.

VRSG supports stereo displays, such as the SVGA-Pro I-glasses HMD and system at 800 x 600 and 24- bit resolution.

VRSG now supports NaturalPoint's TrackIR 5. This 6DOF head-tracking input device consists of an infrared camera that sits on the top of a computer monitor and a sensor/tracking clip that you attach to the brim of a baseball cap or visor, which you wear during the VRSG session. The tracking clip has three reflective markers that direct infrared light back to the camera. As you move and rotate your head small amounts while facing the monitor, the camera tracks the position of your head via the tracking clip and the VRSG eyepoint shifts accordingly.

MetaVR's technology can scale to be portable with notebook computers and low profile head-mounted displays.

MetaVR can scale (up or down) the components to meet your individual price and performance needs. Any immerse display device supporting VGA, S-Video, or NTSC can be integrated with VRSG.

Tracking system support is part of the VRSG product. You can order VRSG directly from MetaVR.