A Robust, Deployable Solution for AEDC's VTCPS

The purpose of the VTCPS SBIR Phase II project is to develop a Virtual Reality (VR) test cell presence system that provides real time three dimensional (3D), multi-spectral, and test data access to test hardware and support systems while testing is in progress in a remote environmental test cell. Phase II of this project consists of a maturing the system developed in Phase I to incorporate more and ruggedized cameras and maturing the entire system concept so that it can be built and deployed into a test cell. Specific segments to be matured include the VR viewer segment, sensor segment, networking, and the process used to maintain alignment between the cameras and the test cell. Once completed, the VTCPS system will provide a cost-effective, intuitive and natural method to view and interact with hazardous environments that would otherwise be inaccessible. Broad commercial applications include other aerospace and automotive test facilities, remote monitoring for oil platforms, and 3D real-time product inspection in ultra-clean facilities. All these applications involve monitoring of areas where humans cannot safely be present, or where they would introduce unnecessary contamination factors.