SENER Supplies Second Virtual Design Center to NAVANTIA

SENER was the winning bidder for the ‘turnkey’ project for the second Virtual Design Center (VDC) of Navantia, this time for its Factory in Ferrol. This is the second with similar scope supplied by SENER to Navantia, after the first installation in the Factory of Cartagena in 2011, which is now fully operative.

With capacity for 30 occupants, the new VDC has a fixed screen of 5 m wide and 2.6 m high, with overhead projector and a system of first reflection mirror due to the dimensions of the room. Broadly useful, the VDC allows a virtual navigation throughout ship 3D models generated in FORAN by Navantia in Ferrol, in particular for the visualization of the model of the Landing Helicopter Dock (ALHD) for the Australian navy, between others.

The scope of the project performed by SENER together with Ingevideo included supplying the software, hardware and devices, and providing consultation, all in addition to implementation, configuration, training, warranties, technical service and preventive and corrective maintenance. The solution allows Navantia to visualize and navigate in 3D using stereoscope technology for models of ships previously generated with the CAD/CAM FORAN system developed by SENER and used in Navantia for the design and production of any kind of vessel. The room also has a wireless tracking system that allows the system to detect observer positions so they can have an interactive view of the image from their own vantage point. One of the most important advantages this provides to Navantia is the ability to examine virtual models of their ships, letting them move around in real time, inquire about their properties and attributes, to detect collisions and interferences, to make notes and measure margins and distances. It also provides dynamic analysis of modifications and changes in design, and simulates disassembly tasks and other maintenance operations. Lastly, its vast potential for commercial and marketing activities is also noteworthy.

Technical description of the solution

The software solution delivered to Navantia is a 3D navigation module called FVIEWER VR, which is part of the FORAN system. Its most significant innovations include the ability to use it with a tracking system. FVIEWER VR can be used in 64-bit platforms, and it takes advantage of the properties of the latest generation of graphic cards, which can be used to efficiently manage enormous volumes of data. SENER is continuously improving this module to adapt it to the latest technological breakthroughs in audiovisuals. The hardware solution delivered to Navantia incorporates high performance devices with the latest and most advanced audiovisual technology, especially in the field of virtual reality. These include most notably the Christie Digital projector and the Intersense tracking system.

The main difference between the VDC installed in Ferrol compared with the one in Cartagena is that the bigger size of the screen and the need to use a mirror, due to the smaller distance between the projector and the screen, made necessary the use of a more powerful projector. On the other hand, the room is equipped with a touch panel 7 inch desktop enabling the storage of different system modes of use by managing audio equipment, projector, lighting and other devices that could be installed in the future.

SENER and Ingevideo have supplied Navantia with a solution that exceeded their needs and expectations, all thanks to SENER’s extensive experience with ship design and virtual navigation software, in addition to the contribution of Ingevideo who, on top of having over twenty years’ experience in the audiovisual industry, is also the official partner of the manufacturers of all the devices supplied to Navantia, thus guaranteeing the highest quality support and maintenance. With this new solution, Navantia can expect to optimize the design and production processes at its Ferrol Factory.

SENER, August 14, 2013