Cost-effective visual simulation based on graphics workstations

Abstract

Visual simulators can play a key role in personnel training and the evaluation of engineering designs. Although commercially available simulators provide realistic 3D perspective images, they are priced in the million dollar bracket. To provide realism, their visual systems rely mainly on computer-generated imagery (CGI) technology. Demand for cheaper visual simulation systems, coupled with advances in VLSI technology, prompted a project to investigate the feasibility of in-house development of a low-cost CGI-based visual simulator. Following a broad literature and market survey (including the evaluation of various graphics systems) such a system was in fact developed, using a high­ performance graphics workstation. The system simulates terrain; natural and man-made surface features; dynamic objects in daylight, dusk, and night conditions; and haze and fog effects. The success of the project implies that visual simulation need no longer be confined to the aerospace and military markets, but can be extended across a wider spectrum of the industrial market. This paper provides brief surveys of visual simulation, CGI technology, and technology trends in graphics workstations. It then discusses relevant design and implementation issues addressed in the development of the low-cost CGI-based visual simulator.