Optimal combat training through ultimate warping precision and visualization without latency
London – Visit booth 404 at ITEC and witness Barco’s 3-channel blended simulation image minimum latency.
For flight simulation training, as well for fixed as for rotary wing, it is important that the out-of-the-window-view is always real time - without any latency - to allow for fast interaction with the projected image. Latencies exceeding about 300msec involve a reduction in control accuracy, ultimately driving the pilot to adopt a “move and wait” strategy and even affecting his sense of presence in the environment. In order to achieve realistic training circumstances and avoid motion sickness, most flight simulators specify a maximum total "loop" time of 100 to 150 milliseconds between the pilot's input and the effect of the action becoming visible on-screen. As this round-trip time includes actuator delays and IG processing time, it is imperative that any delay caused by the display system be minimal. These factors influence the choice of the technology used.
In projection systems for hemispherical screens, the quality of the warped images and the delay varies considerably between systems, as it depends on the warp algorithms used. Many commodity systems correct geometry using a two-pass process (sequentially horizontal and vertical warping). This approach reduces the hardware required at the cost of adding at least one additional frame delay to the system (typically ranging from 16 to 20 msec depending on the refresh rate). Since its introduction at I/ITSEC 2001, Barco’s WARP6 has become widely accepted as the standard for state-of-the-art pre-distortion, as it uses bi-cubic interpolation for optimal precision while avoiding processing delay. Integrating the warp electronics directly into the projector guarantees an easy-to-use, robust, high-performance solution. Because the image generator no longer has to geometrically pre-distort the image, this solution requires less processing power.
At ITEC 2004 Barco demonstrates a 3-channel blended simulation image offering a HFOV of 150 degrees and a VFOV of 80 degrees, using BarcoReality SIM6 Ultra II projectors with incorporated WARP6. By lowering the cost of the WARP6 option by 30%, Barco widens the scope of applications for this trend setting technology.
Equipped with an efficient UHP illumination system, the cost of a system using SIM 6 Ultra II in normal operation mode is lowered by 25% compared to the SIM 6 Ultra, thanks to 1500hr lamp lifespan and reduced wear on consumables. In economy mode, the SIM 6 Ultra II reaches 45% reduction, and lamp life doubles to 3000hr while 80% of the normal brightness is maintained. Moreover, because lamps are carefully fitted in a lamp house, no realignment is needed after replacing them.
