Simulation Concepts and Technologies

Before diving into a project, it's useful to have a high-level awareness of the different types and categories of simulations that exist as well as a general understanding of the major technology choices that are available.

At ForgeFX, we'll discuss your business requirements with you and guide you through the process of selecting the best path to take for your particular situation.

General Concepts

Virtual Tours

A virtual tour is a interactive representation of a physical space where you are able to freely navigate and explore the space. When most people think about the term "virtual tour", the first thing that might come to mind is a residential application.

Medical Simulations

Medical simulation is a branch of simulation technology related to education and training in medical fields of various industries.

Simulation Technologies and Middleware

Adobe's Shockwave/Director 3D

3D allows for content created in a 3D modeling applications like 3D Studio Max, to be brought into an object oriented programming environment, and then delivered through a browser via the Shockwave plug-in.

Microsoft's XNA Platform

Microsoft XNA is a set of tools provided by Microsoft that facilitates the development of computer games and simulations for Windows and XBox 360.

Unreal Engine

The Unreal Game Engine is a complete interactive 3D software development framework primarily intended for the creation of first-person shooter games. Licensing fees are substantial.

Adobe Flash

Flash is a great choice for applications that don't require immersive real-time 3d environments. Also, web-based deployment via Flash is a no-brainer.

Acrobat 3D PDF

The Adobe Acrobat PDF format supports the ability to embed, view, and navigate 3D models within the protected PDF format, making it a valuable tool for sharing elements of design and other intellectual property.

Virtools

Virtools is a development environment and delivery mechanism for 3D interactive content. The thing that really stands out about Virtools is the fact that it has support for the latest versions of DirectX 3D graphics within a Windows-based browser.

Java 3D

Java 3D describes a number of software products developed by Sun Microsystems that when used together allow for the development of 3D applications deployable across multiple platforms.

Unity 3D

Unity is a development tool used for creating interactive 3D software for Windows, Mac, Wii, or iPhone platforms.

X3D

X3D is the ISO ratifed XML-based file format for developing browser-based interactive 3D content.

Second Life

Second Life is an Internet-based virtual world where users can socialize, participate in individual and group activities, create and trade virtual items and property.

Other ForgeFX Resources

ForgeFX Blog

Get more information on interactive 3D training simulation software by reading the ForgeFX blog.

XNA Radio Podcast

ForgeFX's podcast for professional Microsoft XNA developers.

Next Steps

For an assessment of needs that are specific to your project, please contact us so we can review your requirements and put forward a project plan, including a technology recommendation.




Simulation Concepts and Technologies Before diving into a project, it's useful to have a high-level awareness of the different types and categories of simulations that exist as well as a general understanding of the major technology choices that are available. At ForgeFX, we'll discuss your business requirements with you and guide you through the process of selecting the best path to take for your particular situation. General Concepts Virtual Tours A virtual tour is a interactive representation of a physical space where you are able to freely navigate and explore the space. When most people think about the term "virtual tour", the first thing that might come to mind is a residential application. Medical Simulations Medical simulation is a branch of simulation technology related to education and training in medical fields of various industries. Simulation Technologies and Middleware Adobe's Shockwave/Director 3D 3D allows for content created in a 3D modeling applications like 3D Studio Max, to be brought into an object oriented programming environment, and then delivered through a browser via the Shockwave plug-in. Microsoft's XNA Platform Microsoft XNA is a set of tools provided by Microsoft that facilitates the development of computer games and simulations for Windows and XBox 360. Unreal Engine The Unreal Game Engine is a complete interactive 3D software development framework primarily intended for the creation of first-person shooter games. Licensing fees are substantial. Adobe Flash Flash is a great choice for applications that don't require immersive real-time 3d environments. Also, web-based deployment via Flash is a no-brainer. Acrobat 3D PDF The Adobe Acrobat PDF format supports the ability to embed, view, and navigate 3D models within the protected PDF format, making it a valuable tool for sharing elements of design and other intellectual property. Virtools Virtools is a development environment and delivery mechanism for 3D interactive content. The thing that really stands out about Virtools is the fact that it has support for the latest versions of DirectX 3D graphics within a Windows-based browser. Java 3D Java 3D describes a number of software products developed by Sun Microsystems that when used together allow for the development of 3D applications deployable across multiple platforms. Unity 3D Unity is a development tool used for creating interactive 3D software for Windows, Mac, Wii, or iPhone platforms. X3D X3D is the ISO ratifed XML-based file format for developing browser-based interactive 3D content. Second Life Second Life is an Internet-based virtual world where users can socialize, participate in individual and group activities, create and trade virtual items and property. Other ForgeFX Resources ForgeFX Blog Get more information on interactive 3D training simulation software by reading the ForgeFX blog. XNA Radio Podcast ForgeFX's podcast for professional Microsoft XNA developers. Next Steps For an assessment of needs that are specific to your project, please contact us so we can review your requirements and put forward a project plan, including a technology recommendation.