The Visual System is composed by the following elements:

> The real-time rendering engine "Vision-E" [the Software]
> The visualization system [the Hardware]

VISUAL SYSTEM

Visual Engine "Vision-E"

The "Vision-E" is a real-time high-performance renderer enterely designed and developed by ECA-Sindel.
The system have a multi-channel architecture completely scalable, therefore it is possible to build-up every kind of visual system, from one single channel up to 360º of HFV [Horizontal Field of view].
"Vision-E" is able to run on a commercial standard PC equipped with commercial high-end graphic board.

The system offer the following advantages:
> Compatible with the leading real-time 3D
> scene managers file formats including Openflight and 3DS
> Full scene hardware sub-pixel anti-aliasing
> High-resolution texture mapping and multitexturing capabilities
> Enhanced depth buffering and hidden surfaces removal techniques
> 3-Dimensional animated sea model with multiple independent waves components,
> ripples due to wind effect and reflection on sea surface of each scenario element
> 3-Dimensional sky representation, providing realistic sunrise and sunset, Sun and Moon
> representation, star at night, as well as moving clouds according to the weather conditions
> 3-Dimensional animated effects, including:
- Bow waves and stern wakes (engine and thrusters)
- Buoy wakes according to the sea current speed and direction
- Helicopter rotor washes
- Radar rotation
- Bow slamming
- Light points flares
> Very realistic weather conditions handling(rain, hail, snow, haze, fog), with smooth transition
> Accurate Sun/Moon lighting calculated upon exercise time of the day and Ship's position

Visualization System(s)

The Plasma screens offer nowadays good performances in term of image quality and components lifetime.
According also the Bridge Structure, it is possible to product Plasma-based solutions that are cost effective solutions.
it is considered a mid-level solution that can be used for any kind of system.

Projection systems, according the available space, can be of the following types:
> indirect projection [Mirrors]
> direct projection
The basic concept is the same:the video signal is send to a projector that project the images to a curved [or poligonal] screen that surround the bridge structure [or the bridge equipment if it is not present any structure].
The only difference is that the indirect projection used mirror as refelting surface when there is no enough space for a direct projection.
In projection systems there are multiple factors that can influence the final result:
> the projector quality [lens, regualtion features, etc]
> the curved screen [it should have no big surface warp, good finishing, etc]
I> mirrors ,quality and mirror support regualtion [if indirect projection system]

Projection system can be defined a mid to high-end solution, according projection hardware.; therefore it is considered a suitable solution for medium to big systems

Several visualization systems are available, the most used are:

Plasma Screens
Projection Systems [direct or indirect]

The selection of one of the above depends on multiple factors, the most important are the available space to build up the system, the required HFV and, last but not least, the available resources.

ECA-Sindel offer consulting and CAD aided design to help the customer to select among the possible configuration.