Integrated Use of 3D Modelling tools and Virtual Reality to facilitate Design

The technologies of: Anthropometric Modelling, Game Engine animation and Virtual Reality were integrated to facilitate early design decisions in the design of future Naval weapon systems and their integration into current and future Naval platforms. CAD Models of existing or future ships were imported into a 3D Games engine (Unity) along with CAD Models from the ship architect/designer of specific compartments where weapon system installations were proposed. Extremes of the user population (e.g. 3rd percentile Navy female and 97th percentile Navy male) were modelled performing the installation / maintenance tasks on the equipment and this was then exported/imported into the 3D Unity environment and viewed from predefined eye height perspectives. Within the Unity 3D environment, realistic dynamic aspects of the real world were added – e.g. ship movement in light or heavy seas as well as consequent human head / body movement (compensating for ship movement) and the effects that this may have on the task. In addition weather and visibility effects can be added which may affect the user’s ability to perform the tasks. Design engineers viewing the model in VR were able to get a sense of the distances / gaps / access from within the 3D model itself and make/feedback design recommendations from the unique perspective of being immersed within the design itself