OSC Opening
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About the Offshore
Simulation Center
The offshore
simulation centre is a VR centre where several
bridges are simulated for offshore training
applications.
In OSC the simulation
software, hardware and visual software work together
to create a realistic representation of the
situation on board a vessel.
OSC is a joint
project of Rolls Royce, Farstad, Marintek and
Aalesund University College
Web page:
http://www.offsimcentre.no
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About Quest3D™ VR
Edition.
Quest3D™ VR edition is the apex of
the new Quest3D 3.0 product line. We introduced this
new version in response to the growing demand in the
high end real-time 3D sector.
The VR edition has
specialized features for networking and VR user
interfaces.
Web page:
Quest3D VR Edition Info | | OSC Opening
| Royal Opening Offshore
Simulation Center |
On
April 6th 2005 in Ålesund, Norway, the Offshore
Simulation Center (OSC) was opened by His Royal
Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. Quest3D
was used for all major visualizations in a number
of different simulators. Here are some impressions
of that day and the equipment.
The big challenge in this project was to
get multiple computers to display
synchronized visuals and user interaction.
Quest3D VR Edition was
used to create the entire project. This
version of Quest3D has specialized
functionality that allow accurate syncing
over a network so multiple computers can be
used for a single big display.
Very often multiple
engineers were working on the project.
"This is one of the strengths of Quest3D."
says Remko Jacobs, who assisted OSC during
the creation of the simulator.
"We were able to work on
the simulator while it was it was running on
the servers, several big screens and on
editing stations simultaneously. With
Quest3D we did not have to restart the
entire cluster during development. This is
one of the advantages of using a real-time
editing system".
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The
Environment
For the opening an
environment was simulated containing a towing
vessel and a
oil-rig. The winch controller,
captains and on-deck personnel must work together
in this situation to get the anchor placed correctly.
Positioning of the ship is crucial for correct
placement of the anchor so the oil-rig stays in
place.
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Hardware
The simulator uses a wide variety of
computers, beamers and displays. Each
computer produces one or two displays.The
big screen uses six beamers that are
stretched to form a single curved display.
The personnel stations use two beamers each
to display big stereoscopic images.
A server controls all the parameters that
need synchronization. The separate on-deck
personnel simulators that are situated at a
different location in the building.
Using the excellent networking and
synchronization features all computers work
together as a single system.
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The
simulator uses a number of computers,
beamers and screens
 6 visual
clients, one projector each
2 visual
clients for the on-deck personnel (2
projectors each, stereo)
2 visual
clients for a simulated winch security
cameras (2 displays each)
1 visual server
(1 display)
2 geometry
correction computers
1
simulation server
1 computer
controlling hardware
additional
computers for recording, editing and cabin
displays |
Briefing
Room
Several security
cameras are placed at strategic points in the
simulator. They record
everything that goes on during the simulation.
Analysis of the training is possible by playing
back recordings in front of all trainees. Pointing out mistakes and
possible hazards contributes to the prevention of accidents on
board.
Captain's
Chair
From the captain's chair the movement
of the
ship can be controlled. Almost all controls available on a normal bridge are
simulated inside the simulator bridge.
The captain is able to monitor the exact
position using several information screens
and dials. |
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The winch
controller
From his chair, the winch
controller is able to operate the winch. This
winch is used to tow and relocate the anchor.
The placement of the anchor is
very important, and the forces on the anchor
should be monitored at all times. The forces
involved in lifting these huge anchors can
cause great damage.
The on-deck
personnel must be protected at all times from high
forces on the chains and wires.
The captain,
sitting next to the winch controller, will
maneuver the ship to minimize the stress on the
chains. |
The chairs can be moved forward
and backward to make sure they have a correct view
over the events on-deck and reaching all controls
and screens.
From the chair position the controller
oversees the back
of the ship through the windows.
Behind these
windows the virtual environment is projected using
a number of beamers. In the picture below you can
see the view of the winch operator.
The
environment is projected in a curved shape around
the window so the controller can look
through the window from any angle. |
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On-Deck
Personnel
For the on-deck personnel there
are two simulators. Both of them are large
vertical screens with a stereo projection of the
simulation.
All operations done by
the captain, winch operator or other on-deck
personnel is seen directly on all simulators.
Using a replica off the actual remote control, both of the cranes can be
operated.
There is a line of
sight between the on-deck personnel. They have to
communicate with the bridge using radio,
just like the real situation. |
Opening by Crown
Prince
The Crown Prince visited all parts
of the Offshore Simulation Center accompanied by
the Ålesund mayor and a number of television crews. At
lunch it became clear that the new simulator was a
great success and that it was received with great
enthusiasm by all of the invited guests and
investors.
Overall, the realism, visual quality and
pioneering role of this revolutionary simulator
were praised by many of the attendants.
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