Page 70 - DCAP601_SIMULATION_AND_MODELING

Simulation and Modelling

Notes 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.

Tasks Analyze whether fixed time step is better for games when developing game
loops.

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