Overview

ART has been developing rotorcraft models in FLIGHTLAB for over 15 years and we now have an extensive library of rotorcraft models. These models may be run in the FLIGHTLAB environment for enhanced interactivity or they may be code-generated with a custom interface and distributed as object libraries that can be linked to user applications. ART has developed SIMphony, a run-time infrastructure for FLIGHTLAB flight dynamics models that cycles the code-generated models, synchronizes them to real time, and supports interfacing of the models to simulator systems and user software applications.

Simulator Integration

SIMphony provides a scalable run-time environment that can range from a desktop simulator using a single PC to a full flight simulator using 12 or more PCs. Periodic data interfaces are supported through a distributed shared memory over a Local Area Network, allowing local shared memory in each PC to be continually synchronized. A remote command capability supports IOS interaction for functions such as trim, initialization, run, pause, reset, and setting of malfunctions.

Visual System Interface

SIMphony includes support for most commercial joysticks and also includes the Common Image Generator Interface (CIGI) standard API for Image Generation Systems. SIMphony is distributed with MPV, the Open Scene Graph rendering application, to provide an integral image generation system with distributable open source code. The CIGI interface assures compliance with many modern COTS Image Generation systems. A sample visual data base and a sample instrument display are also provided to insure that SIMphony can provide an out-of-the-box desktop simulation capability for FLIGHTLAB models.

User Interface

The interface can then be expanded to any custom applications by starting from a working desktop simulation configuration. SIMphony also includes a Graphical User Interface for controlling and monitoring the simulation session. All monitoring and control functions can be accessed remotely, allowing the functionality to be incorporated into a user’s Instructor/Operator Station.

SIMphony Key Features:

Scalable distributed run-time environment
Real-time cycling of interchangeable FLIGHTLAB Flight Dynamics Models
Networked shared memory support over Local Area Networks
CIGI compliant Image Generator interface
Out-of-the-box desktop simulation capability using
Integral Image Generation and instrument display capability
Joystick drivers compatible with most commercially available joysticks
User Interface for monitoring and control of simulation session
Remote accessing of monitor/control functionality for integration into user's IOS