The Hindu Business Line : War gaming

Companies such as Dassault, UGS, PTC, MultiGen-Paradigm and even local ones such as the Bangalore-based EDS Technologies and Cades work on the exciting domain of simulation and virtual product development.

These companies offer software tools that bring interactive and high fidelity, real-time 3D applications to the computer. With them, designers in automotive and aircraft manufacturing can now get a very specific and detailed idea about their creation.

From how each component works/reacts to exact space and thermal computations to learning the various factors involved in a real-world scenario, these complex tools offer functions that help make faster flights, safer cars and even a designer uninterruptible power supply system.

Serious business

War gaming is now serious business, says S. Senthil, President of EDS Technologies India, a Rs 65-crore firm that is investing largely in the simulation business. Tactical gunnery trainers and battlefield simulators, night-time warfare training and battle tank training simulation can simplify rigorous processes while planning a coup.

Terms such as rapid prototyping, dynamic texture mapping and terrain forming (taken from satellite imagery) were discussed at Multigen Paradigm User Forum - 06 held in Bangalore recently.

Representatives of defence organisations also attended the event, which showcased some of the most advanced state-of-the-art simulation systems that can be played on a laptop.

These PC-based tactical military trainers can easily be made abreast of the ever-changing simulation requirements of our armed forces for upgrading them in asymmetric warfare and urban operations.

Down to the last detail

Virtual product development and simulation techniques have evolved over the years to become more realistic, and match physical world constraints by allowing the designer to input multiple factors. Now, you can get a scenario where the end product you are designing will be detailed down to its shadows.

The shadows are modelled depending on the time of day, by taking into account the position of the sun (which can be programmed into the software before it `realises' the object. Such attention to detail can be observed now even down to weather effects such as snow or rain.

Using technology such as Blueberry's multi-texture feature, even the dust sprayed when a helicopter lands can be replicated. Such realistic video is now combined with suitable audio effects to give a feel of the war ground to the designer.

Such software is even being used in new verticals such as infrastructure — in town planning and hotel design.

Imagine being able to see a video animation of you walking through your yet-to-be constructed home.

Not only could you choose finer details such as what colour to paint the walls, but also how the plumbing would be fixed and lighting details. Such is the power of today's design software.

Other non-warfare simulation uses are in disaster relief, airport traffic controlling, simulation for various high security installations, 3D sport simulators and driving.

Road-track simulation for driving isn't new, with several driving schools offering learners the opportunity to test their skills at driving before even stepping foot in a car. However, many users are denied its advantage due to its high cost, says Senthil.

preethij@thehindu.co.in