Congressman Hobson views Homeland Security technology at Barco Simulation

Barco Simulation’s new communications product called VCAD (Virtual Collaboration, Analysis & Decision) is specifically designed for the United State’s Homeland Security effort. This system analyzes complex data and graphically renders key relationships in a stereoscopic display to help intelligence agencies accurately assess complicated situations and make timely, correct decisions.

“I’m really excited about Barco’s growth,” says Hobson. “There is a mixture of people, some that been here three years and others that have been around for 15 or more years -- and they’re all working together to produce a first-class product. In a high-tech area, it’s great to see it happening right here in Xenia”.

Steve McCullough, Vice President and General Manager at Barco Simulation, stressed the importance of the technical community’s involvement in the nation’s security effort. “Homeland security is a top priority in today’s unpredictable and volatile world,” McCullough said. “Barco has the technology to meet our nation’s critical security needs.” A prototype VCAD system currently is at Battelle Labs in Washington, D.C. with demonstrations scheduled for key government officials and integrators.

Congressman Hobson is a strong supporter of technology and partnerships. “Some of Barco’s technology is not only good for flight, but it’s also appropriate for other types of applications,” says Hobson. “Understanding what these programs can do, helps me justify whether I can support them or not. When I see collaborations between Barco and key technology partners like Battelle, that makes me feel good about the quality of work being done in the Miami Valley.”

The visit began with a briefing of Barco’s history, capabilities, projects, its people, and the company’s contribution to the local economy. Following the briefing, Congressman Hobson was given a tour of the production facility. Barco showed its extensive manufacturing operation where the company designs and fabricates high-end, raster- calligraphic projectors. The raster-calligraphic CRT-projectors combine raster scan (projection of TV-like images) with calligraphic scan (projection of light points and lines). The EIS-brand raster-calligraphic projectors are used in full-flight simulators. By providing a major portion of pilot training on simulators rather than on an actual aircraft, commercial airlines and military trainers realize tremendous cost savings and can provide safer training for pilots. As flight simulation technology advances, government regulations allow increased use of simulators in approved training programs.

Congressman Hobson expressed his interest in Barco’s role for delivering visual display solutions for a wide variety of simulation applications and its impact on stimulating the economy.

The tour also showcased much of the on-going work with the SimAF group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). This collaborative effort is generating new, innovative concepts and solutions for military flight training using high-resolution displays. The Congressman had a first-hand demonstration of Barco’s high-performance visual display system for pilot training. The system consisted of an Air Force jet cockpit supplied by SimAF surrounded by a three-channel curved screen BRC display system.

Barco Simulation designs and builds other turnkey immersive visualization solutions for virtual collaboration, analysis, and decision-making. Installations range from virtual prototyping in the automotive industry, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, medical surgery training, and scientific research.

More on Barco Simulation
Barco Simulation in Xenia celebrates its 20th anniversary as a leading projection technology company. Founded in 1983 as Electronic Image Systems (EIS), Barco Simulation has grown to become today’s leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance visual display systems, delivering innovative solutions to customers worldwide. Over the years, the company has exhibited continued growth because of its investment in people, significant contributions to industry, business relationships with local vendors, and economic impact on the local community.

The Barco Simulation facility in Xenia is over 43,000 square feet, with additional room to grow. The company employs approximately 90 people; 25 are engineers active in research and development. Drawing upon its expertise in projection technologies, optics and opto-electronics, colorimetry, electronics and image processing, and customized precision mechanics, Barco Simulation and its partners provide the solution to meet any simulation, Virtual & Augmented Reality, and Edutainment requirement.

The Barco-EIS projectors and MRP’s (Monitor Replacement Products) are presently used by the majority of full-flight simulator integrators and are widely regarded as the highest performance system available. Barco Simulation products are installed and in active service in at least 27 countries and are backed by a three-year warranty.

About the Barco Corporation
Barco, with headquarters in Kortrijk, Belgium, has three key activities, which are all active in Image Processing. BarcoProjection is in various markets of large screen visualization. BarcoView develops and manufactures display systems for life critical applications, while BarcoVision is in systems for visual inspection and quality control.

In 2002, the entire Barco group delivered revenue of Euro 669.0 million. Barco has a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and agents in almost 100 countries throughout the world. Barco is quoted on Brussels/Euronext and is a BEL 20 and a Next 150 company. In the US, Barco facilities are located in Xenia (Ohio), Duluth and Kennesaw, (Georgia), Beaverton, Portland, (Oregon), West-Sacramento (California), and Charlotte (North- Carolina). Over 500 US associates develop, manufacture, and market high-end ImageProcessing solutions for dedicated niche markets.

For more information, please contact

Els Van Loocke
Marketing Communications Manager
Barco Presentation&Simulation

Telephone +32 56 368667
contact.bps@barco.com

Steve McCullough
VP & General Manager
Barco Simulation USA

Telephone +1 937 372 7579
steve.mccullough@barco.com