CIGI Benchmarking (VBS-IG & FAST-IG)

In the context of military and tactical simulations, vsTASKER acts as the simulation host, while VBS-IG and FAST-IG are the image generators. vsTASKER directs the battlefield and vehicle movements and streams these actions using the CIGI (Common Image Generator Interface) protocol to generate high-quality graphics on the screens.vsTASKER as the CIGI HostRole: Acts as the "brains" of the simulation. vsTASKER calculates flight paths, handles terrain movement logic, and tracks all entities (tanks, troops, aircraft).Protocol: Uses CIGI to send real-time entity positions, attitudes, and environmental updates to external visual systems.Design Control: Allows engineers to manage and interact with the 3D visual engine directly during the design phase.Image Generators (IGs) EvaluatedVBS-IG (Virtual Battlespace Image Generator): A gaming-grade image generator that renders large, highly detailed terrain environments.FAST-IG: Developed by Oktal-SE, this image generator is specialized for high-fidelity sensor simulation and physics-based rendering (like Infrared or Radar).Benchmarking ScenariosPerformance Testing: Used to evaluate how smoothly the software handles massive tactical setups (e.g., streaming 300+ entities).Latency Check: Measures the communication delay as vsTASKER sends CIGI packets to the IGs to render the movement.Asset Tracking: Tests how accurately both IGs render visual damage, weapon fires, and weather effects based on vsTASKER commands.To see the technical details and results of this setup, you can visit the VirtualSim Benchmarking overview.If you want to dive deeper, let me know if you are interested in:Hardware requirements for running these simulationsHow the CIGI protocol synchronizes data between the host and the image generatorsThe specific sensor vs. visual rendering differences between VBS-IG and FAST-IG

The CIGI Benchmarking (VBS-IG & FAST-IG) refers to a performance assessment conducted by VirtualSim to evaluate how their simulation host software, vsTASKER, interacts with two different third-party image generators (IGs) using the Common Image Generator Interface (CIGI) protocol.In this architectural setup, vsTASKER is the host (the "brain" controlling the simulation, rules, and flight dynamics), while VBS-IG and FAST-IG are the graphical engines (the "eyes" rendering the 3D visuals).Core Roles in the BenchmarkSystem componentRole in the simulationDescriptionvsTASKER (by VirtualSim)Simulation HostComputes vehicle behaviors, scenario rules, flight dynamics, and physical interactions. It packages this state data into standard CIGI packets to send over the network.VBS-IG (by Bohemia Interactive Sim)Image Generator (Option A)A high-fidelity graphical engine based on tactical game technology, processing complex multi-entity military scenarios and terrain interactions.FAST-IG (by Oktal-SE)Image Generator (Option B)A specialized image generator used for physics-based rendering, sensor simulation (radar, infrared), and synthetic environment visualization.CIGI Protocol (Common Image Generator Interface)Communication LayerThe open-standard network protocol utilized by vsTASKER to synchronise entity positions, states, animations, and weather between the host and either IG.Key Takeaways from the Benchmarking TestsThe benchmarking exercises were split into different distinct test cases to expose how each graphical platform processes high-volume data streams:Test Case 1: Massive Entity Stress Test (300 Units)Setup: 300 mixed entities (ground units, tanks, and aircraft) moving simultaneously.Mechanism: vsTASKER calculated the complex logic and pushed entityCtrl packets to the target IG at varying network update rates to stress-test bandwidth and rendering lag.Test Case 2: High-Speed Aircraft Formation (200 Pilatus Models)Setup: 200 high-speed aircraft flying in tight formation before breaking into free flight.The FAST-IG Challenge: The benchmark highlighted that FAST-IG does not natively support position smoothing/extrapolation. Consequently, vsTASKER (the host) must feed positional updates at the maximum achievable frame rate to prevent the high-speed aircraft from appearing jerky. This update rate is less critical for slow ground units but mandatory for fast-moving aviation assets.Integration Features Evaluated:CIGI 3.3 Specifications: Utilizing the standard CIGI Class Library (CCL) for cross-platform compliance.Terrain Feedback: Validating how vsTASKER requests line-of-sight (LoS) and ground elevation data back from the IG to keep its internal structural map accurate.

The Core RolesvsTASKER: A powerful C++ code-generating tool used for military tactical simulations, procedure testing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) logic. It acts as the "brains" of the simulation.VBS-IG (Virtual Battlespace Image Generator): Bohemia Interactive's rendering engine, widely used for high-fidelity gaming-engine visuals and training environments.FAST-IG: Oktal-SE’s high-performance image generator specifically designed for physical, sensor-based, and radiometric rendering (like radar, infrared, and camera feeds).CIGI: The standard protocol allowing vsTASKER to send positioning and environmental updates instantly to the 3D viewers

Downlaod - CIGI Benchmarking (VBS-IG & FAST-IG)

Request for Trial licence

Download User Guide & reference manual

Key Benchmarking Use CasesWhen comparing how vsTASKER connects to VBS-IG vs. FAST-IG, developers and analysts look at several specific criteria:Tactical AI vs. Visuals (VBS-IG): Used for standard military training and command post exercises. vsTASKER handles the complex rule-based AI and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) logic, offloading heavy 3D rendering and entity animations to VBS-IG.Sensor Simulation vs. Out-The-Window (FAST-IG): vsTASKER uses FAST-IG when running engineering-level tests for sensor operators. vsTASKER feeds highly accurate coordinate and environment data so FAST-IG can calculate complex physics-based light and radar reflections.Terrain & Height Data Pre-processing: vsTASKER can connect with the IGs to query elevation data. This allows vsTASKER to build local 2D terrain grids (DTED/HGT) to pre-process Line-of-Sight (LoS) calculations offline before requesting heavy 3D rendering via CIGI.Real-Time Scenario Editing: vsTASKER allows users to place entities on a 2D map and instantly see them positioned in 3D using either IG, which is highly useful for fine-tuning scenarios during the design phase.