Barco to deliver Projection Solutions for complete Update of DaimlerChryslers Virtual Reality Center
Kippenheim/Kuurne, 31 July 2002 – In close cooperation with SGI, BARCO has been chosen for the Daimler-Chrysler Virtual Reality Center (VRC) project. This project includes a complete update of the VRC as well as expansion of the capacity and functional capabilities of this key visualization technology, which has already proven productive for DaimlerChrysler. These latest enhancements will ensure that the VRC holds an unequivocal top position as the world’s largest and most complex central facility for immersive visualization used on a productive day-to-day operating basis. The SGI order is valued at € 6.5 million, half of which will be used for the acquisition of the projection systems from BARCO Imsis.
The VRC, located at the heart of the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC), is used intensively by designers, engineers and project managers working in the MTC on different automobile projects. Virtual reality (VR) has been installed in the most varied forms of immersive stereo projection, including a 5-sided I-Space (fully immersive room), different CADWalls (powerwalls) and a curved screen. Using these varied forms of projection, the Mercedes teams rapidly analyze and understand their digital models and simulation results. The teams are also able to optimize and validate models and make the right decisions at the earliest possible stage within an ideal environment for multidisciplinary collaboration.As DaimlerChrysler's VRC head Thomas Jäger stated, "Our goals have been attained faster than we expected. Thanks to the VR application, we were able to generate double-digit percentage savings in cost of physical prototypes and development times. This motivated us to devote ourselves to quantitatively and qualitatively expanding the possibilities of the VRC. The benefits are obvious. In addition, the community of users within the MTC is growing as well."
The update and expansion of the VRC covers almost everything that is currently installable in terms of immersive VR technology and interface types. A five-sided, I-Space, a double-segment CADWall and a single-segment CADWAll will be retrofitted. In the future, information display in ultrahigh resolution will be possible on all projection segments. The stereo operation mode will be installed as passive stereo technology so users can wear comfortable polarization glasses. BARCO LCD digital technology will be used for the projection, beaming up to 1600x1200 pixels (UXGA) per segment and eye, in stereo channel.
A double-segment CADWall of the same build, a double-segment L-shaped immersive desk, also in passive LCD stereo, and a second 4-sided I-Space in active stereo will be newly installed. The unparalleled features of the BarcoReality 909 projectors, which are used in the 4-sided I-Space, make them ideally suited for these kinds of applications. The extremely high resolution of 3.200 x 2.560 pixels and the unlimited compatibility with any kind of Image Generator are excellent projection qualities and crucial for the realization of such a prominent and technical challenge.
"It's a well-known fact that SGI delivers the most high-performance visualization systems and solutions in the industry," said Volker Starck, manager for the Immersive Solutions activities and the DaimlerChrysler VRC project for SGI's Professional Services organization in Germany. "Our resource management software has become another exemplary stand-alone product on the market. It reflects the many years of experience SGI has gathered as the lead innovator and builder of many sophisticated facilities based on SGI Reality Center technology."
Francois Montoya, managing director of BARCO GmbH states, "We are happy to contribute as a major subcontributor for this important project. Our commitment in Sindelfingen underscores that BARCO is not only a supplier of innovative projectors, but also commands broad skills and experience when it comes to realizing complete high-resolution projection systems and fully optimized stereo quality."
The VRC-update includes more than two dozen BarcoReality SIM 6 Ultra in UXGA, and SIM 6 in SXGA resolution, which have all the requirements to deliver a perfect separation of the stereo-image. Outstanding feature of the SIM 6 Ultra is the 1600 x 1200 pixels resolution. In all its installations, BARCO uses proprietary projection technologies to achieve excellent picture clarity combined with very high resolution.
Barco Simulation Products
Barco Simulation Products develops high-performance visual display products and solutions for Simulators, Virtual and Enhanced Reality and Edutainment & Entertainment applications. Active on a worldwide scale - with main offices in Xenia (Ohio, US) and Kuurne (Belgium) and with sales & support offices in Europe, North & South America, Asia and the Middle East - Barco Simulation Products has gained an international reputation for its customer-driven application engineering and projection system optimization know-how. Drawing upon its expertise in projection technologies, color calibration, opto-electronics and mechanics, Barco Simulation Products and its partners provide the solution to meet any Simulation, V&AR and Edutainment & Entertainment requirement.
