The RNLI simulator complex consists of a main lifeboat bridge with a 245-degree cylindrical visualization screen that measures five metres radius, a full lifeboat mock-up and a secondary bridge. With the upgrade, Antycip provided the eleven F2 SX+ projectors, and integrated them with a 3D Perception Compact UTM system to perform edge blending and image warping. This produced a higher resolution per visual channel (SXGA+, 1,400 x 1,050 pixels) and a seamless image across the existing cylindrical screen environment.
The F2 SX+ projectors are specifically designed for these applications. A 1:1 wide-angle (short-throw) lens with lens shift is used and the projector has a brightness of up to 3,000 ANSI lumens.
John Mould, commercial development manager at Antycip (UK simulation team) comments, "Having worked on many integrated solutions throughout Europe, it has been our experience that the projectiondesign products are ideally suited for simulation applications with demanding image quality requirements such as the RNLI. The projectors are an ideal marriage with the edge-blending and image warping technologies from our partners at 3D Perception."
The RNLI is a charity which exists to save life at sea. Training of volunteer lifeboat crews includes multi-vessel search and rescue training scenarios, incorporating helicopters and other visual enhancements such as debris, man in the water, realistic sea spray, rough weather conditions and realistic UK coastline imagery. Ian Canavan, operations training manager at RNLI ends, "Projectiondesign provided the best solution and the right price and will significantly contribute to the RNLI's mission of saving life at sea."
Anders L°kke, Marcoms manager at projectiondesign, says: "DLP technology is located at the heart of every F2 SX+ projector and is one of the most stable technologies available in the market, remaining constant for thousands of hours. High brightness and contrast, natural colours and fidelity are also produced, which is paramount for realistic mission critical training applications."
(Chris Henry)
