Specialist research using real time Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data was the springboard for the new Virtalis VR system on the University of Genoa’s Savona Campus. Prof. Carlo Cravero explained: “We have established links with the University of Cambridge, who also use a Virtalis StereoWorks system to understand flow. We hope to take our research one step further and develop an interactive system using haptic devices to alter the CFD data in real time. We call this “flow sculpting” and it will allow us to modify
the geometry, thus facilitating real design improvements.”
A partnership between local industry, regional government and the EU has
provided the funding for the new facility. Two of the principal supporters
have been Ansaldo Energia and Piaggio Aerospace. With industrial partners
like them in mind, this StereoWorks configuration can operate either in
lecture mode where a number of people can enjoy the benefits of 3D
projection or in immersive mode where a single user’s movements are tracked
and they experience 3D via a Head Mounted Display.
Andrew Connell, Virtalis’ technical director, said: “This StereoWorks
configuration consists of an enormous screen of 4mx3m onto which
stereoscopic images are rear projected by a Christie Mirage S+4K projector,
which is capable of extremely high resolution and brightness. We integrated
all of the room’s functions into a control system operated by a wireless
touch panel, so that light, sound and other inputs can be controlled by a
single button press. To facilitate the haptics element of the research
wirelessly, we have fitted a Polhemus Liberty tracker.”
Prof. Cravero and his team expect their new VR capability will be heavily
utilised. The massive screen will enable large simulations to be projected
at a 1:1 scale. As an illustration, gas turbines from Ansaldo Energia will
be able to be simulated while under assembly. The resulting life like
virtual model can then be used for training. Similarly, Piaggio Aerospace
will benefit from a VR model that will offer all the variants of its jets
and give people a real appreciation of the scale of the end product. He
said: “Active clustering visualisation is unusual in Italy and unheard of in
our region. We are on a steep learning curve, but we hope to become a hub
of expertise within the region.”
“Active stereo systems were pioneered by Virtalis” David Cockburn-Price,
Virtalis MD commented. “The Company now has dozens of its StereoWorks range
in operation throughout Europe and the US. As the technology has matured,
the cost of the various component parts has tumbled and we are able to pass
on these savings to our customer. Gone are the days when cost constraints
meant each university had just a single VR lab.”