e.scene Image Generator

e.scene provides the full range of components needed to create a highly realistic simulated environment. Drawing on a readily-available palette of atmospheric effects and weather formations, the system generates a virtual world with accurate, real-world representations of light, shade, time of day / seasonal conditions and visibility. All weather effects (sun, clouds, rain, fog, snow, etc.) are coupled to the lighting model used for the overall scene, thus generating a logical and consistent image. The e.sigma Image Generator also ensures that color saturation is both physiologically correct and adjusted for distance, creating harmonious transitions and an impression of natural depth vision.

Adjustments to brightness (brightening or darkening) transition smoothly in relation to the time of day. At regular brief intervals (of seconds), the influence of the changing positions of the sun and moon is calculated from the geographical factors in the data set and the time of year. These calculations are then used during image rendering. As in real life, objects (houses, trees, masts, etc.) and models (vehicles, aircraft, virtual persons, etc.) in this virtual world acquire shadows that are appropriate to the prevailing lighting conditions. These shadows change dynamically to reflect changes in the position of sun or moon or other light sources (street lights, floodlights, headlights, runway lights, flares, etc.).

The image generator outputs in high 24-bit color depth, including anti-aliasing to prevent artifacts. Textures are projected in realistic detail through real-time anisotropic filtering and mipmaps that provide sharp images free of disruptive effects. To maintain an ergonomically appropriate frame rate for complex scenes, virtual objects are available in varying levels of detail. The system switches between these detail levels smoothly as required and in a way undetectable by the observer. Virtual persons, are represented using characteristic, natural features, which include realistic physical movement, facial expressions and gestures. These features ensure the creation of a realistic impression of personality and mood.