Case study: full-size virtual models of trains

Abstract

Simulation of models, in all different areas, is an expanding, attractive fine ofwork. More and more applications are taking advantage of the improving technology and knowledge in this field, achieving results that would have been impossible to achieve with a real model, or foreseeingfacts that would have been encountered too late in the production process otherwise. The train industry is one possible beneficiary of this approach. Usually, before commencing the fabrication process of a new train, the construction of a full-size model is mandatory. lnstead of building this full-size real model, which leaves little room for !ater, last-minute modifications, a virtual model could be built in the digital realm, thus offering a new platform for easier interaction with it. ln this article, a simulation of a train is presentedfor visual, aesthetics and ergonomic issues. The simulation runs on a PC-based CAVE-like architecture, and combines static and dynamic computer generated imagery, both with and without stereoscopy for JD visualization, as well as Augmented Virtuality techniquesfor the integration ofthe train with its environment.