Computational Graphics and Immersive Technologies Applied to a Ship Maneuvering Simulator

Abstract

The TPN-USP Maneuvering Simulation Center is the largest Ship Maneuvering Simulation Center in Brazil. The simulator is used to evaluate new ports and operations, risk analysis, pilots and captains training. The center has 6 cabins, in which of them, 3 are classified as full-mission. The simulation can be executed in single or multiplayer mode. This article gives an overview of graphics technologies in TPN-USP simulator center. Its visualization system aims to immerse the pilot into a realistic virtual environment, providing a high definition visual information to make an operation decision. This article describes some of technologies developed and applied in the simulation center. A full mission simulator with 32 projectors filling 282° of dome screen with 3.6 m height, using 11 render computers cluster is presented. An overview of modeling process, model textures that utilizes PBR (Physically Based Rendering) approach is also presented. This technique generates a photorealistic render. A wave GPU optimized rendering was also integrated. The technique allows to adapt various wave spectrums and spreading effect in modular way. Water spray and foam effects was also included. Additionally, advanced shader methods were used to ensure realistic ocean rendering, including light of sun reflection and sub-surface light scattering.