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Vortex Mobile Crane

A Vortex Training Simulator by CMLabs Simulations, Inc.

Features and Benefits

• High-fidelity operator training
• Faithful simulation of catastrophic conditions: rollover, boom collision, cable snags and breaks
• Validated by the OETIO (Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario)
• Immersive environment
• Full control over training scenarios
• Customizable simulator and training scenarios
• State of the art 3D graphics
• Reduced cost: Minimize training risk and accelerate student schedules

The Vortex Mobile Crane Simulator provides an interactive virtual environment much like a computer game. With high-fidelity physics simulation, realistic 3D graphics, and a user interface modeled after real crane controls, it offers a faithful and realistic training experience like a flight simulator.

Realism is achieved through four main elements: high fidelity physics simulation, realistic 3D graphics rendering, ambient sound simulation, and typical controls and input devices.

All the properties relevant to crane operation are simulated: the dynamics of the engine and hydraulic systems, back drive from the load, and the nominal RPM-power curve of the engine.

The simulation includes the physics of ground interaction, either during work or driving mode, the deformation of the boom, and the dynamics of the hoisting cable and grappler. Vortex Training Simulators allow full interaction with all objects in the 3D graphics scene — so catastrophic conditions such as rollover, boom collisions, and cable snags or breaks can be experienced by trainees in the simulation.

The simulator’s four displays cover the front, left, right, and top views an operator has from the driver’s seat. The 3D rendering includes a state of the art head-motion tracking system. This controls the perspective seen on all four displays, allowing the user to look around objects for better depth perception — even for distant objects. The accurate generation of shadows also improves depth perception and realism.

Ambient sound is generated from the simulation and provides accurate cues to the trainees, such as the correct sound of the engine under the current load conditions.

The trainee interface includes crane joysticks, pedals and indicators, as well as a simulated LMI — a display of the load and other data usually available to a crane operator. All data displays, such as the engine RPM indicator or the load indicator, are driven by the simulation and produce an accurate description of the crane.

An instructor module allows the specification of scenarios and the evaluation of trainees. A motion platform can also be added.

Specifications

• Interactive virtual environment
• High-fidelity physics simulation
• Realistic 3D graphics on four displays
• Real mobile crane controls
• Ambient sound simulation
• Real-world Load Measurement Indicator (LMI) display

• Immersive 3D graphics
• Generation of shadows
• Head-motion tracking system adjusts the view and provides better depth perception

• Operator Station displays LMI
• Real-time information about the crane simulation
• Crane boom, outriggers, jib, engine RPM, and load data are displayed
• Real crane foot pedals and hand controls enhance training

• Access to all functionality
• Override control for swing, boom, winch, telescope, brake and throttle
• Option to stop rotation or cut sling
• Load, edit or save various training scenarios
• Enable or disable any object in the scene or move an object
• Set different graphics parameters: head tracker, stereo, shadow
• Enable or disable sound effects
• Display crane log events
• Student log available to track progress

• Email and telephone support
• Training
• Integration and custom application development
• Stereoscopic display option
• Optional motion-platofrm integration

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