CM Labs Simulations Releases Vortex Dynamics 6.2

Montreal, Quebec, July 10, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Vortex Dynamics is a platform for creating interactive vehicle and mechanical equipment simulations in realistic virtual environments, for operator training and systems testing.

Version 6.2 of the software includes a new Vortex Marine module, multi-channel visuals, and dozens of new features.

Vortex Marine
Vortex is already under the hood of many of today's major maritime engineering and training applications.
Now, create maritime simulations with underwater vehicles, vessels, and realistic ocean rendering.
Define buoyancy and drag properties for mechanisms (e.g., ROVs, amphibious-type vehicles), and create a water surface to simulate hydrodynamic behavior.

Networked Player
The new Vortex network module allows you to create integrated multichannel simulations with the Vortex Player, with the ability to send and receive data across the network (e.g., from external control systems, I/Os, etc.)
With nodes for synchronized visual channels, networking requires no additional application development, and the integration is seamless.
Multiple visual channels and camera views are handled entirely by the bundled application configuration tools.

Audio module
Create immersive simulations thanks to a realistic audio environment that reproduces the spatial location of sound sources. 
Trigger audio based on manual commands, from a script or the VHL interface, based on engine RPM, collisions, etc.  

Vortex Editor enhancements
Vortex Dynamics 6.2 includes over 50 usability improvements in the Editor alone, including:

Constraint editing
Visualize the constraints you’re creating or editing in context (3D view) or use graphic nodes as position/pivot points.

Tree view grouping and ordering
Manage the tree content and structure (scene, mechanism, assembly, part) by adding folders, placing objects into folders, re-order objects and folders, etc.

Camera integration
Mechanical engineers can add a camera to a mechanism or scene and attach it to a part or graphic node. View camera in 3D view and change camera properties, even during play. 

Core Framework enhancements

Extension collision rules
- Define collision rules between simulated objects and extensions such as cable or vehicle systems. 
 

Remote debugger and profiler
Troubleshoot issues and optimize scenes during development and deployment, with tools that provide insight into the budget of the mechanism and scene under development. 

Earthworks Systems add-on
A bulldozer-type blade that can deform a predefined zone on a terrain, and dump the soil in a truck or in another predefined zone. 
A truck bed to receive soil material.

Sky and weather effects
Integration engineers can place a sky in a scene and control weather properties. Depending on the degree of realism required, options vary between a static bitmap-based sky and an advanced procedural sky that can evolve during the simulation. 
Dynamically control weather condition such as clear sky, rain, snow, etc., during the simulation. In addition, distance visibility is controllable, as well as fog or simply the distance cue/fog. 

About Vortex Dynamics

The Vortex Dynamics simulation platform provides all the applications and tools you need to create interactive simulations in virtual environments.

It's built around the core Vortex Dynamics engine, which allows you to create engineering-grade vehicle and mechanical equipment models, and simulate rigid body dynamics, collision detection, contact determination, and dynamic reactions.