Increasing influence of computer vizualisation software and virtual reality technology on cabin design

Computer visualisation software and virtual reality technology are impacting VIP and bizjet cabins as never before – but what are the implications of such change now and in the future, and what are the potential pitfalls with this avalanche of new data? The way EON Reality’s business development director Pierre- Julien Barraud tells it, only adecade or so ago he knew of an aircraft manufacturer that would make up to 30 physical models before its flying machine would be deemed ready for manufacture. How things have changed – in an age when computer software systems are now so advanced that whole aircraft interiors can be sketched in 2D programmes, designed, engineered and analysed for safety in 3D and marketed to the client in an immersive virtual reality environment before a single part ever gets made, the time consuming and costly old way of making things seems nothing short of antiquated.

So what does all this advanced technology mean for the customer?

In simple terms it allows them to see what they’re buying much more clearly. “What’s changed is that you can now get from a design that looks quite simple to something that is very realistic, says Son Tran, senior designer at product design expert Priestman Goode. "Especially in terms of material use and lighting, and spin it round to look at all the angles in minutes. In the old days you’d press the render button have to wait a week and it would still not be right".

One step further on from photo realistic designs and animations are interactive virtual reality (VR) environments where the customer can use VR goggles and ‘step inside’ their future business jet. EON Reality manufactures and sells the software tools that provide the ability to convert CAD data into an interactive 3D stereo model. It can also be configured in real time and viewed on the internet or via a display as big as a 3D stereo theater. Current biz jet clients include Bombardier and EON is also involved. This article is picked up from "Digital dreams" September 2009 Business Jet Interiors International.com 
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