The Internation Union of Operating Engineers - Local 721 training facility is proud to introduce a state of the art simulator to our crane training program.
The Vortex Mobile Crane Simulator is a computer system producing a high fidelity
virtual reality environment designed for use in training mobile crane operators.
The virtual environment is a real-time, interactive, 3D graphics, multi sensory
system, which is driven by an advanced, physics-based simulation.
|
|
The trainee sits in a chair similar to that found in a real crane, and uses similar
controls, including joy sticks and pedals. Several large, synchronized computer
displays are arranged so as to simulate the windows of the operators cab; as in
a real crane, these cover most of the trainee's field of view. The 3D graphics
views are constantly adjusted for trainee head movement using signals from a head
mounted tracking device. Realistic machine sounds are generated by the simulator
and output on a speaker system.
The physics engine driving the simulator is base on the Vortex rigid body dynamics
toolkit which includes extensive geometric collision detection capabilities.
This allows the user to interact with all objects visible in the scene, not just
those that have been scripted beforehand.
The physics simulation includes the engine and drive train dynamics, including the
coupling with the load, the dynamics of ground contacts, boom deformation, cable
elongation, bending and twisting, as well as impact and contact force simulations
between the grappler and the loads, or the cable or any part of the crane with virtual
objects present in the 3D graphics scene.
Holding
true to our dedication to safety, the simulator allows our students to train in true to life situations that are guaranteed to be accomplished
safely and effectively.
|
Pictured below, our crane instructor Brian Burgess is putting the simulator through
its paces. The helmet he is wearing automatically updates the screen to keep
things focused where ever he may look.
|
 |
 |
Videos
require
Windows Media Player. If you don't already have it then simply click
on your operating system to download it for free.
Download for Windows
Download for Mac
|
To view a recording of the simulator in action choose a link below.
|
|
56 second action clip stacking crates
300kbps - Windows Media - 1.1 MB
47kbps - Windows Media - 300 KB
|
3 minutes 21 seconds clip demonstrating some other crane features
300kbps - Windows Media - 6.7 MB
64kbps - Windows Media - 1.44 MB
|
*Italicized text taken from CMLabs User Guide. |