Bell Helicopter Design Visualization, More Than a Virtual Reality

The Bell Helicopter Interactive Design Visualization Center (IDVC) represents the next generation in simulation technology. The IDVC uses state-of-the-art software and concepts used in the motion picture and computer gaming industries to create realistic 3-D simulations of objects and virtual environments. The IDVC is made up of three component technologies consisting of lightweight 3-D modeling tools, motion capture tools, and virtual environment generation tools. This paper examines various options for the third technology component, which is virtual environment generation based on criteria necessary for use in an industry environment. The virtual environment generation options examined in this paper include the off-the-shelf and current standard software from VRSim®, a streamlined VRSim® approach tailored to the Bell Helicopter IDVC, and a new concept based on the Deep Creator™ software from Right Hemisphere® Based on criteria developed by the Bell Helicopter Simulation Group, it is determined that the Deep Creator approach best suits the needs of the Bell Helicopter IDVC.