DEFENSE

Computational Engineering International (CEI) announced today that its latest release of EnSight includes a sophisticated camera feature, which allows users to create 3-D visualizations with multiple vantage points. The new feature provides users with nearly limitless viewing options and makes its possible to create walk-throughs and walk-arounds, follow trace particles through flows, and simulate real-world test cameras, such as those used in automotive crash tests. The feature eliminates the need to move a virtual object simply to view it from a different perspective. Users can now view objects from any angle simply by moving virtual cameras around the object on user-defined pathways or by positioning static cameras at any defined point. EnSight provides up to eight virtual cameras, each of which can be either static or dynamic. Any viewport can be viewed through any camera, and multiple camera views can be displayed at once on a split screen during playback. Just as is done in filmmaking, clips from each camera can also be spliced together to create a visualization that draws on any or all of the cameras. “Our new camera feature’s multiple and moving vantage points allow users to greatly enhance CAE visualizations so they can more effectively analyze and communicate research data,” said Anders Grimsrud, CEI’s chief development officer. “Whether they wish to study the progression of smoke through a burning building with a walk-through-style visualization, or follow a blood cell through an artery, we know many users have immediate uses for this feature. In fact, the decision to develop this technology was driven in part by customer feedback from users in a wide variety of industries and research areas.” The new feature provides several ways to define a moving camera’s path. Users can create splines with the cursor tool, or by inputting control points or X,Y,Z coordinates, or can simply position a camera on any moving object. The moving object can even be a trace particle, making it possible for a camera to essentially “ride” a trace particle through a flow path. Whether a camera is moving or static, users can also define a point on any object that the camera tracks. This tracking function can be used to track objects that are either fixed or moving. Users can also define a number of other camera characteristics, including tilting and rotating cameras according to viewing needs. The camera feature is now available to all licensed EnSight users in version 8.2.4(b), which can be downloaded at its web site. The feature is also compatible with EnLiten, CEI’s free viewer, which allows anyone to view EnSight files.