simtek engine & vmax 2 - forum energy technologies

SIMTEK Engine & VMAX 2.0

Bob Manavi VMAX Technologies Inc. [email protected] Nov. 2, 2010

The new VMAX Technologies, Inc.

VMAX 2.0 software is a complete reimplementation of the existing VMAX Project Simulator product line,

with over 4 years of experience in physics-based subsea simulation and control system development

incorporated into its design.

The new 2.0 software is released under the current yearly maintenance agreements, free of charge if

purchased as an upgrade to the previous version, and can run in conjunction with the old version on the

new 2.0 dedicated hardware.

The primary objective of the new 2.0 software is to provide a standard core for any form of simulation

development, removing any constraints in previous version of the software, and to allow our clients

total control over what they can accomplish with the software (Vessel, Crane, ROV, helicopter

simulation) - Virtually no limits!

Key differences between VMAX Project Simulator 2.0 and its competitors in the industry are:

Provide full control to clients if they desire to take simulation development in-house.

Cutting edge graphical advancements used by Entertainment and Movie industry.

Extremely customizable hardware interface to allow easy connection to any console or simulator.

Allow licensing of the core SIMTEK Engine for other product development.

VMAX’s new capabilities allow VMAX clients to augment their engineering efforts from the top-down,

where the VMAX Project Simulator can be used to design and validate engineering designs and

procedures. With a large, and growing, offshore ROV operator customer base already utilizing VMAX

onboard vessels, the engineered scenarios can be quickly dispersed for on-site rehearsal and feedback –

prior to SIT, reducing the need for costly ECO’s and positively impacting the operational margin.

What is SIMTEK Engine?

The new SIMTEK Engine, developed by VMAX Technologies, expands VMAX support into a new category

of offshore software suppliers; VMAX considers itself an offshore engineering software solution provider

that has historically provided the most complex and robust ROV simulation to the market as well.

SIMTEK Engine is an offshore simulation software development kit (SDK) that can be used to develop

other specific types of simulators (Pipe laying, deck operations, vessel, and crane). VMAX Project

Simulator 2.0 (ROV module) has been developed using the same core application programming interface

(API). SIMTEK Engine is commercially available for licensing.

VMAX Technologies, Inc. 10642 West Little York, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041-4014, +1 (713) 329-8290

A detailed breakdown of the improvements and upgrades incorporated in 2.0 relative to its previous

version of the Project Simulator can be seen in the following table:

1.6.1 2.0

Graphics

DirectX based core graphics engine (SIMTEK Engine)

Shader model 3.0 support

Fully customizable client Shader support

Detailed subsea lighting models

HDR lighting and realistic bloom effect

Detailed Shadowing system

Volumetric subsea detritus and Fog

Per channel depth-based light attenuation

Sea surface transparency and lighting

Realistic sea surface reflection, refraction, and wave effect

Fully functional physics based wave system

Customizable particle system

Physics

Support for multiple physics engines at different price points

Highly modular physics object creation

Physics-based crane cabling system

Volumetric current system

Accurate buoyancy interface

12 different physics joint types

8 different collision geometry types

Run-time physics modification support

Detailed robotic arm controls

Create collision geometry in 3D Studio MAX and export capability

Checkpoint system to save progress

Recording and external playback of simulation via free player

Scripting

Full access scripting interface to graphics

Full access scripting interface to GUI

Unique run-time scripting for complex logic

Can create a new vehicle, simulation, or product* using the API

Pass scripts for local execution over the network

Networking

Robust customized networking layer


Support serial linking of many simulators

Scalable LAN interface

Seamless input transfer from one computer to another

GUI

Highly customizable API

Allows modification of theme and functionality

VMAX Pro Editor

Allow rapid creation of physics based objects

Can configure highly complex hierarchies for testing

Full access to physics functionality

Control System

Support TRUE subsea control systems

TRUE Schilling T4 Manipulator support

Allow support for different hardware

Complete customizable Digital, Analog, and Serial interface

Fully scriptable control connection and logic

Easy to connect to different hardware in-house


The screenshots below from the actual software show the level of visual detail that can now be

expected in the new VMAX Project Simulator 2.0. This will enhance the visual cues and feedback

necessary for proper training and rehearsal using the software.


An impressive level of detail on can be observed on all subsea components where every bolt and washer

can be clearly identified. The added level of detail will allow for more immersion within the simulated

environment.


Fully dynamic ocean surface will allow proper propagation of light to be simulated. As the depth of

operation increases the appropriate channels of light get filtered out adding more realism to the

immersive environment.


Top side visual wave dynamics provide additional level of detail. In addition, the lighting of the

environment can be used to simulate time of day for operations. With a much more detailed crane and

vessel simulation VMAX now has the capability to simulate both offshore modules as add-on simulators

for complete operation simulation (optionally by using the generic VMAX Control interface clients can

connect any VMAX simulator to existing simulators not part of the VMAX solutions).


This is a scene of a ROV approaching a subsea tree where a highly detailed models and lighting system

gives a much better view for distance calculations. Observe the multi-light shadowing effect on the tree.


In this scene we can see the effect of high intensity light casting on a metallic surface causing light

scattering. Adjustment of the light intensity by ROV pilot will allow for a better view of the receptacle.


Here is another example of robust and accurate lighting. The lights on the ROV can now be seen

underwater in the distance – an important factor when simulator multiple ROVs in the same scenario

environment.


The level of detail on models has been exponentially increased to allow scenario recordings to be easily

used as promotional material in place of animations. The new VMAX SIMTEK Engine provides rendering

scenes exactly as seen in animation software packages with the added benefit of interactivity.


Here are a few examples of surface visuals used in the crane and vessel simulators provided by VMAX.

simtek engine & vmax 2 - forum energy technologies

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