Spain: SENER Gets Contract for Navantia VR Room

SENER was the winning bidder for the ‘turnkey’ project for the new virtual reality (VR) room for the Navantia Factory in Cartagena.

With capacity for 30 occupants and a fixed screen of 4 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, the room has the latest technology for virtual navigation. It is currently fully operational and is being used to visualize the virtual model of the S-80 submarine that is being developed by Navantia with the FORAN system, for the Spanish Navy.

The scope of the project performed by SENER together with Ingevideo included supplying the software, hardware and devices, and providing consultation, all in addition to implementation, configuration, training, warranties, technical service and preventive and corrective maintenance. The solution allows Navantia to visualize and navigate in 3D using stereoscope technology for models of ships previously generated with the CAD/CAM FORAN system developed by SENER and used in the Cartagena Factory for designing and producing the S-80 series submarine, in all the disciplines. The room also has a wireless tracking system that allows the system to detect observer positions so they can have an interactive view of the image from their own vantage point.

One of the most important advantages this provides to Navantia is the ability to examine virtual models of their ships, letting them move around in real time, inquire about their properties and attributes, to detect collisions and interfaces, to make notes and measure margins and distances. It also provides dynamic analysis of modifications and changes in design, and simulates disassembly tasks and other maintenance operations. Lastly, its vast potential for commercial and marketing activities is also noteworthy.

Technical description of the solution

The software solution delivered to Navantia is a 3D navigation module called FViewer VR, which is part of the FORAN system. Its most significant innovations include the ability to use it with a tracking system. FViewer VR can be used in 64-bit platforms, and it takes advantage of the properties of the latest generation of graphic cards, which can be used to efficiently manage enormous volumes of data. SENER is continuously improving this module to adapt it to the latest technological breakthroughs in audiovisuals.

The hardware solution delivered to Navantia incorporates high performance devices with the latest and most advanced audiovisual technology, especially in the field of Virtual Reality.

These include most notably the Christie Digital projector and the Intersense tracking system. SENER and Ingevideo have supplied Navantia with a solution that exceeded their needs and expectations– all thanks to SENER’s extensive experience with ship design and virtual navigation software, in addition to the contribution of Ingevideo who, on top of having over twenty years’ experience in the audiovisual industry is also the official partner of the manufacturers of all the devices supplied to Navantia, thus guaranteeing the highest quality support and maintenance.

With this new solution, Navantia can expect to optimize the design and production processes at its Cartagena Factory.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff , April 20, 2012; Image: foran