ORLANDO, Fla. (USA) — Serious Simulations, an Orlando-based, Veteran-owned simulation company, will join Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a global developer of advanced military simulation and training software, at BISim’s booth (#2235) during I/ITSEC 2018 to demonstrate new software that enables motion capture and other tracking technologies to utilize natural human motion to animate the avatars in a VBS experience, in real time.
Serious Simulations leveraged technology from IKINEMA Ltd, a world leader in Motion Capture data processing, to build the plug-in that integrates the IKINEMA solver to the various versions of VBS3 software. The new technology for VBS3 is called Serious ArtIKulations™, which uses human motion tracking data (via optically tracked rigid bodies) to control the motions of a trainee’s avatar in VBS3. The initial version uses 6 DOF, sub-millimeter accurate Motion Capture data tracked directly from the natural human motion of the trainee via lightweight passive reflective markers or active LED markers to animate the trainee's avatar. Serious ArtIKulations accomplishes full avatar motion in real time by blending the optical tracking data seamlessly with some VBS3 avatar animation data of the lower body.
“In real-time, interactive tactical training such as a squad’s task of clearing a building, you need to be able to track a human trainees’ movements and immediately articulate the VBS3 avatar’s movement to reflect the actual movements of the human being trained,” said Chris Chambers, Serious Simulations’ CEO. “Infantry squads practicing tactical maneuvers use different communications methods including hand and arm signals that make motion tracking critical for effective training. We track selected points on the actual upper body and use an Inverse Kinematics Solver to calculate other body part positions which greatly improves simulation efficiency and reduces latency.”
Serious ArtIKulations™ is available for use with VBS3 v18.3 and has been tested with VBS STE, part of BISim’s new technology suite which combines an enhance VBS simulation engine with VBS Blue whole-earth rendering.
“Serious Simulations’ Serious ArtIKulations™ technology helps fill a critical training gap for dismounted infantry training,” said Pete Morrison, BISim’s Co-CEO. “With the growing emphasis on VR and AR for use in training within the mil-sim domain and the advent of more affordable consumer VR peripherals, the ability to accurately capture and reflect realistic human movement will help increase immersion and improve training.”
Individual and group real-time animation with weapons will be supported in Serious ArtIKulations™. Upcoming versions will expand the capabilities to other tracking systems and provide for user-driven customizations, such as the number, type, and location of markers.
About Bohemia Interactive Simulations
Founded in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is a global software company at the forefront of simulation and training solutions for defense and civilian organizations. Our mission is to harness the explosive potential of technology to revolutionize training and simulation. BISim utilizes the latest game-based technology and a large, experienced in-house team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for defense applications.
About Serious Simulations
Serious Simulations LLC, an Orlando-based Veteran Owned simulation business, designs immersive training systems using custom made hardware and software components for specific skill training needs, combined with motion tracking systems, wireless communications devices, wireless display technologies and commercial game engines. It produces wireless video technology and wireless head/helmet mounted displays (HMDs) with very high resolutions and wide fields of view. The industry-leading wireless HMDs, and wireless VR add-ons, are available separately or as components of Serious Simulations' professional grade VR training systems for military, police, emergency responders, and professional grade entertainment experiences. The company is a partner in the Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) network. For more information, visit our web site at www.serioussimulations.com