At Virtual Simulations we provide a wide range of complete turnkey solutions to our clients. This section of our web site illustrates the most common system configurations we offer.
Entry-level "Desktop VR" simulation platform
The first system shown on the right represents our entry-level “Desktop VR” simulation platform. It is composed of a cots (Commercial off-the-shelf) computer as well as common computer peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. A joystick is used as the main interaction device for manipulating the 3D environment and to allow navigation. With such systems, the visualization device is typically a large desktop flat screen either capable of doing auto stereoscopy or using special 3D shutter glasses. This system provides an efficient and cost-effective platform for multiple visualization needs, for various user applications.
Entry-level / semi-immersive VR exhibit platform
The second system shown below represents our entry-level / semi-immersive VR exhibit platform. This platform is specially aimed at museum and science exhibit applications and designed for repetitive mass public uses. Ruggedized versions of the standard virtual reality hardware components are used in this case to take into account the heavy daily use that this type of system have to go through. This platform uses a large projection-based screen as the main visualization device. To provide a rapid and easy to use experience to the visitors in a public exhibit context, a joystick is used as the main interaction device for manipulating the 3D environment and to allow navigation. On this type of system, interaction is kept simple to allow a passing visitor to just “grab and play” using the joystick. A panel is placed in front of the display assembly to provide a standing base for the joystick as well as to provide written step-by-step instructions to the user so that they can quickly use the system.
Mid-level / semi-immersive VR exhibit platform
The next system shown represents our mid-level / semi-immersive VR exhibit platform. The main difference with our entry-level platform is the use of more advanced Virtual Reality hardware components to provide a higher degree of interaction with the 3D environment. State-of-the-art 3D position tracking systems are used to allow the user to more directly interact with what he/she sees. As depicted on the pictures, the user actually sees a 3D stereoscopic image floating in front of him/her. The use of advanced VR hardware allows the user to use natural hand movement and gestures to touch and grab objects he/she sees floating in space. The picture on the right shows Lisa holding a 3D pointer device in her right hand. This device allows the user to point anywhere in space and uses buttons to allow triggering specific user tasks or system actions. The 3D pointer is similar to a standard desktop mouse but is held in space and contains a spatial tracking sensor which allows the computer to follow its movements in space.
High-end / fully-immersive VR platform
The next system shown below represents our high-end / fully-immersive VR platform. It can be used in any type of scenario requiring the maximum flexibility in terms of volume of operation as well as high degree of immersion and interaction with the virtual environment. The main difference with the mid-range systems is the use of a helmet mounted display (HMD) device as the main visualization device instead of a large screen. This effectively allows the user to look around him/her and be able to see a much wider virtual space that literally surrounds him/her in all directions. In this type of system, we use the latest state-of-the-art virtual reality hardware components.
