SIMTEK Engine & VMAX 2.0 Bob Manavi VMAX Technologies Inc. bob.manavi@vmaxsimulator.com Nov. 2, 2010
The new VMAX Technologies, Inc. VMAX 2.0 software is a complete reimplementation of the existing VMAX Project Simulator product line, with over 4 years of experience in physics-based subsea simulation and control system development incorporated into its design. The new 2.0 software is released under the current yearly maintenance agreements, free of charge if purchased as an upgrade to the previous version, and can run in conjunction with the old version on the new 2.0 dedicated hardware. The primary objective of the new 2.0 software is to provide a standard core for any form of simulation development, removing any constraints in previous version of the software, and to allow our clients total control over what they can accomplish with the software (Vessel, Crane, ROV, helicopter simulation) - Virtually no limits! Key differences between VMAX Project Simulator 2.0 and its competitors in the industry are: Provide full control to clients if they desire to take simulation development in-house. Cutting edge graphical advancements used by Entertainment and Movie industry. Extremely customizable hardware interface to allow easy connection to any console or simulator. Allow licensing of the core SIMTEK Engine for other product development. VMAX s new capabilities allow VMAX clients to augment their engineering efforts from the top-down, where the VMAX Project Simulator can be used to design and validate engineering designs and procedures. With a large, and growing, offshore ROV operator customer base already utilizing VMAX onboard vessels, the engineered scenarios can be quickly dispersed for on-site rehearsal and feedback prior to SIT, reducing the need for costly ECO s and positively impacting the operational margin. What is SIMTEK Engine? The new SIMTEK Engine, developed by VMAX Technologies, expands VMAX support into a new category of offshore software suppliers; VMAX considers itself an offshore engineering software solution provider that has historically provided the most complex and robust ROV simulation to the market as well. SIMTEK Engine is an offshore simulation software development kit (SDK) that can be used to develop other specific types of simulators (Pipe laying, deck operations, vessel, and crane). VMAX Project Simulator 2.0 (ROV module) has been developed using the same core application programming interface (API). SIMTEK Engine is commercially available for licensing.
A detailed breakdown of the improvements and upgrades incorporated in 2.0 relative to its previous version of the Project Simulator can be seen in the following table: Graphics DirectX based core graphics engine (SIMTEK Engine) Shader model 3.0 support Fully customizable client Shader support Detailed subsea lighting models HDR lighting and realistic bloom effect Detailed Shadowing system Volumetric subsea detritus and Fog Per channel depth-based light attenuation Sea surface transparency and lighting Realistic sea surface reflection, refraction, and wave effect Fully functional physics based wave system Customizable particle system Physics Support for multiple physics engines at different price points Highly modular physics object creation Physics-based crane cabling system Volumetric current system Accurate buoyancy interface 12 different physics joint types 8 different collision geometry types Run-time physics modification support Detailed robotic arm controls Create collision geometry in 3D Studio MAX and export capability Checkpoint system to save progress Recording and external playback of simulation via free player Scripting Full access scripting interface to graphics Full access scripting interface to GUI Unique run-time scripting for complex logic Can create a new vehicle, simulation, or product* using the API Pass scripts for local execution over the network Networking Robust customized networking layer 1.6.1 2.0
Support serial linking of many simulators Scalable LAN interface Seamless input transfer from one computer to another GUI Highly customizable API Allows modification of theme and functionality VMAX Pro Editor Allow rapid creation of physics based objects Can configure highly complex hierarchies for testing Full access to physics functionality Control System Support TRUE subsea control systems TRUE Schilling T4 Manipulator support Allow support for different hardware Complete customizable Digital, Analog, and Serial interface Fully scriptable control connection and logic Easy to connect to different hardware in-house
The screenshots below from the actual software show the level of visual detail that can now be expected in the new VMAX Project Simulator 2.0. This will enhance the visual cues and feedback necessary for proper training and rehearsal using the software.
An impressive level of detail on can be observed on all subsea components where every bolt and washer can be clearly identified. The added level of detail will allow for more immersion within the simulated environment.
Fully dynamic ocean surface will allow proper propagation of light to be simulated. As the depth of operation increases the appropriate channels of light get filtered out adding more realism to the immersive environment.
Top side visual wave dynamics provide additional level of detail. In addition, the lighting of the environment can be used to simulate time of day for operations. With a much more detailed crane and vessel simulation VMAX now has the capability to simulate both offshore modules as add-on simulators for complete operation simulation (optionally by using the generic VMAX Control interface clients can connect any VMAX simulator to existing simulators not part of the VMAX solutions).
This is a scene of a ROV approaching a subsea tree where a highly detailed models and lighting system gives a much better view for distance calculations. Observe the multi-light shadowing effect on the tree.
In this scene we can see the effect of high intensity light casting on a metallic surface causing light scattering. Adjustment of the light intensity by ROV pilot will allow for a better view of the receptacle.
Here is another example of robust and accurate lighting. The lights on the ROV can now be seen underwater in the distance an important factor when simulator multiple ROVs in the same scenario environment.
The level of detail on models has been exponentially increased to allow scenario recordings to be easily used as promotional material in place of animations. The new VMAX SIMTEK Engine provides rendering scenes exactly as seen in animation software packages with the added benefit of interactivity.
Here are a few examples of surface visuals used in the crane and vessel simulators provided by VMAX.