Digimation
Interview with
David Avgikos President
Q: Tell us about Digimation’s products that are used by the military training community.
A: Digimation provides a large collection of prebuilt 3-D models including high-detail models used in animation and product demonstrations, and real-time models in OpenFlight format for training simulations
In addition, defense customers use Digimation Creative Services to develop proprietary or unavailable 3-D data. This may be in the form of 3-D parts used in computer-based training, or full animation describing the form and function of a product for contract proposals.
Q: You often use the term “3-D content.” Please define 3-D content and discuss the learning experiences that can be supported with this material?
A: 3-D content is the three-dimensional wireframe data that populates computer-based simulations and training. For example, the planes, buildings and vehicles in a flight simulator are 3-D content.
Most software engines (the programs that processes user input and display graphics) are now 3-D, so they require 3-D content to drive them. If you want to train someone to maintain a particular engine, you would have the parts of that engine as 3-D objects so that they could be manipulated and viewed from any angle. The types of experiences supports by 3-D content are virtually endless.
Q: Describe the challenges of using 3-D content in military training programs.
A: As 3-D has become more and more mainstream, the challenges have changed. It used to be a challenge finding affordable hardware and software capable of processing 3-D data in real time. That is no longer the case. We feel one of the biggest challenges today is acquiring the 3-D content to populate modern training and simulation programs.
For example, if you want to teach students about the mechanics of a CH-47D helicopter, you’ll need accurate and instantly recognizable 3-D objects of the systems of that helicopter. This 3-D data is not available off the shelf and in most cases the original CAD data is proprietary or unsuited to the task of training [if it’s available at all]. In these cases creating the data, or finding someone with the expertise to create the data, can be a challenge.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of not being located in Orlando or another modeling and simulation center of excellence?
A: Well there are certainly disadvantages. Being in New Orleans, it is tough for us to get face time with many of our customers. It also makes it harder for us to let the military training community know about our products and services. On the other hand, we have great gumbo and seafood, but it doesn’t really balance out.
Q: How does a small company such as Digimation effectively compete for DoD contracts against larger industry counterparts?
A: We thrive by filling a very specialized need. 3-D content creation is often a small part of a much larger project. So, in general, we work with larger contractors to supplement their own capabilities by teaming with them on larger proposals and projects.
Q: What suggestions do you have to improve the DoD acquisition process?
A: Actually the process has worked pretty well for us. However, since we provide a niche product, we are generally lumped in with film and video services. This makes it even harder for people needing 3-D content to find us. It would be nice to have categories for 3-D production and animation.
Q: What sets Digimation apart from its competitors?
A: Digimation not only has a very large library of prebuilt 3-D content, but we also offer the custom services that go along with it. If you need a realistic model of an F-16 we can provide that, but we can also go on site and create exceptionally realistic parts of any portion of the aircraft. I think that’s a pretty unique combination.
Q: What does the future hold for Digimation?
A: The training and simulations available today are just scratching the surface of what is really possible. Defense customers will begin to demand more and more realistic training environments. These will in turn require more realistic content and we have positioned Digimation to be the “go to” company to deliver this content.