ACADEMIA
Ford upgrades VIRTTEX Simulator with Barco SIM 7Q projectors to test next-generation collision avoidance systems
Visualization pioneer Barcoannounced that its SIM 7Q simulation projectors will be used to upgrade Ford's VIRTTEX (VIRtual Test Track Experiment) advanced simulator to provide enhanced image rendering capabilities for use in testing active safety features for its automobiles. In concert with Blue Newt Software's image generation and software development tool kits, Barco's solution delivers an extremely realistic car-driver simulation to assist in Ford's development of a collision avoidance system.
Ford's VIRTTEX, developed nearly 10 years ago to assess in-car distractions from driver cell phone usage, is now being enhanced to create a new “active safety” driver assistance system to alert vehicle operators of an imminent collision. The simulator will test a variety of visual, auditory, and haptic (tactile) signals proposed as part of an early warning system, capturing driver behavior data from experiments to determine which types of alerts elicit the quickest responses. {modal url=http://www.supercomputingonline.com/images/sim-7q-left_adfd6979_l___selected.jpg}
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Ford is the only North American automaker with a full-motion-based driving simulator, which enables the company to test product features and driver behaviors safely in a controlled environment. Since VIRTTEX opened in 2001, Ford has completed numerous driver distraction studies, in addition to evaluations of teen driving, driver drowsiness and a pedestrian warning assessment, among others. All of these studies have led to the development of technologies, vehicle features and programs designed to improve vehicle and occupant safety, such as head-up displays, driver drowsiness alerts, lane-departure warnings and more.
The VIRTTEX simulator features a spherical dome mounted on a hydraulic system to duplicate vehicle movement. Seven Barco SIM 7Q QXGA LCoS projectors comprise a display system that covers a 360-degree horizontal and 45-degree vertical field-of-view (FOV), mounted to a mechanical structure on the Ford motion base. The projectors surround the driver to display scenery, terrain, and various traffic situations synched to the test car's acceleration, braking and steering functions.
Blue Newt Software, Inc., an industry leader in high-fidelity, high-performance networked simulation software, provided the image generator engine and software development tool kits which model dynamic illumination; multiple, real-time shadow casters; the pixel-accurate sky dome; weather models; and other realistic visual effects for the simulation system. The company's highly advanced rendering technologies integrate with a manufacturer's legacy data to enable them to easily and cost-effectively leverage advanced applications and models as new technologies and techniques are developed.
“Once a manufacturer subscribes to our visual technology platform, they enjoy a perpetual migration path with access to the most modern, sophisticated visual renderings as they become available,” commented Robert Kuehne, Owner and President of Blue Newt Software. “This allows them to always be on the cutting edge of immersive simulation and provide the most realistic user experience. One of the most important capabilities Ford required was the lighting component, which we're one of the first to address in the industry.
Barco's SIM 7Q projectors – which feature lamp-based projection, the brightest illumination source available – are designed specifically for use in multi-projector, high-speed motion simulators. Numerous features, such as DynaColor, Linked Constant Light Output, Warp geometry distortion technology, and optical edge blending, combine to deliver razor sharp, no-smear images and a smooth, continuous FOV with consistent color and luminance matching between channels. The SIM 7Q's smear reduction technology enables superior visualization of terrain details and road signs during continuous vehicle simulator operation at driving speeds. The system was designed using Barco's SimCAD tool which accurately models the behavior of light to perform resolution, luminance and shadow analysis with high precision, reducing the risk of non-compliant performance while facilitating fast, smooth installation.
“We are happy to support Ford as they embark upon the next-generation in automobile safety,” commented Dave Janke, Sales Director for Simulation at Barco North America. “The simulation platform created by Barco's SIM 7Q projectors and Blue Newt's networked simulation software – both industry-leading solutions – will enable Ford to continually evolve their advanced vehicle response systems to promote safe, reliable automobile travel in an age of increasing driver distraction and roadway congestion.”
Ford's VIRTTEX, developed nearly 10 years ago to assess in-car distractions from driver cell phone usage, is now being enhanced to create a new “active safety” driver assistance system to alert vehicle operators of an imminent collision. The simulator will test a variety of visual, auditory, and haptic (tactile) signals proposed as part of an early warning system, capturing driver behavior data from experiments to determine which types of alerts elicit the quickest responses. {modal url=http://www.supercomputingonline.com/images/sim-7q-left_adfd6979_l___selected.jpg}
{/modal}Ford is the only North American automaker with a full-motion-based driving simulator, which enables the company to test product features and driver behaviors safely in a controlled environment. Since VIRTTEX opened in 2001, Ford has completed numerous driver distraction studies, in addition to evaluations of teen driving, driver drowsiness and a pedestrian warning assessment, among others. All of these studies have led to the development of technologies, vehicle features and programs designed to improve vehicle and occupant safety, such as head-up displays, driver drowsiness alerts, lane-departure warnings and more.
The VIRTTEX simulator features a spherical dome mounted on a hydraulic system to duplicate vehicle movement. Seven Barco SIM 7Q QXGA LCoS projectors comprise a display system that covers a 360-degree horizontal and 45-degree vertical field-of-view (FOV), mounted to a mechanical structure on the Ford motion base. The projectors surround the driver to display scenery, terrain, and various traffic situations synched to the test car's acceleration, braking and steering functions.
Blue Newt Software, Inc., an industry leader in high-fidelity, high-performance networked simulation software, provided the image generator engine and software development tool kits which model dynamic illumination; multiple, real-time shadow casters; the pixel-accurate sky dome; weather models; and other realistic visual effects for the simulation system. The company's highly advanced rendering technologies integrate with a manufacturer's legacy data to enable them to easily and cost-effectively leverage advanced applications and models as new technologies and techniques are developed.
“Once a manufacturer subscribes to our visual technology platform, they enjoy a perpetual migration path with access to the most modern, sophisticated visual renderings as they become available,” commented Robert Kuehne, Owner and President of Blue Newt Software. “This allows them to always be on the cutting edge of immersive simulation and provide the most realistic user experience. One of the most important capabilities Ford required was the lighting component, which we're one of the first to address in the industry.
Barco's SIM 7Q projectors – which feature lamp-based projection, the brightest illumination source available – are designed specifically for use in multi-projector, high-speed motion simulators. Numerous features, such as DynaColor, Linked Constant Light Output, Warp geometry distortion technology, and optical edge blending, combine to deliver razor sharp, no-smear images and a smooth, continuous FOV with consistent color and luminance matching between channels. The SIM 7Q's smear reduction technology enables superior visualization of terrain details and road signs during continuous vehicle simulator operation at driving speeds. The system was designed using Barco's SimCAD tool which accurately models the behavior of light to perform resolution, luminance and shadow analysis with high precision, reducing the risk of non-compliant performance while facilitating fast, smooth installation.
“We are happy to support Ford as they embark upon the next-generation in automobile safety,” commented Dave Janke, Sales Director for Simulation at Barco North America. “The simulation platform created by Barco's SIM 7Q projectors and Blue Newt's networked simulation software – both industry-leading solutions – will enable Ford to continually evolve their advanced vehicle response systems to promote safe, reliable automobile travel in an age of increasing driver distraction and roadway congestion.”