University of Genoa

“We hope to use our Virtalis StereoWorks System to research and develop an interactive system using haptic devices to alter the CFD data in real time. We call this “flow sculpting” and it will allow us to modify the geometry, thus facilitating real design improvements. Active clustering visualisation is unusual in Italy and unheard of in our region. We are on a steep learning curve, but we hope to become a hub of expertise within the region.” Prof. Carlo Cravero, University of Genoa’s Savona Campus

Immersive 3D stereo projection and tracking enable students at the University of Genoa to explore their research in more depth Specialist research using real time Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data was the springboard for the new Virtalis VR system on the University of Genoa’s Savona Campus.

Flexibility of Use

A partnership between local industry, regional government and the EU has provided the funding for the Virtalis facility at The University of Genoa. Two of the principal supporters have been Ansaldo Energia and Piaggio Aerospace. With industrial partners like them in mind, this StereoWorks configuration can operate either in lecture mode where a number of people can enjoy the benefits of 3D projection or in immersive mode where a single user’s movements are tracked and they experience 3D via a Head Mounted Display.

The Virtalis Solution

The StereoWorks configuration consists of an enormous screen of 4mx3m onto which stereoscopic images are rear projected by a Christie Mirage S+4K projector, which is capable of extremely high resolution and brightness. We integrated all of the room’s functions into a control system operated by a wireless touch panel, so that light, sound and other inputs can be controlled by a single button press. To facilitate the haptics element of the research wirelessly, we have fitted a Polhemus Liberty tracker.

Industry and Academia in Partnership

Prof. Cravero and his team expect their new VR capability will be heavily utilised. The massive screen will enable large simulations to be projected at a 1:1 scale. As an illustration, gas turbines from Ansaldo Energia will be able to be simulated while under assembly. The resulting life like virtual model can then be used for training. Similarly, Piaggio Aerospace will benefit from a VR model that will offer all the variants of its jets and give people a real appreciation of the scale of the end product.

Download the case study: University of Genoa Case Study.pdf (1.25 MB)