An important factor in simulation training is to make sure that targets, and other objects, appear the correct size when projected on a wall or screen. Many factors affect the size of objects in DART MAX including:
Screen size
Distance of the shooter from the screen
Target size
Screen Size
To project objects at the correct size, it is recommended that you position the projector about 8 feet away from the wall or screen. This will create an image that is 13 feet wide and approximately 7 feet tall. Projecting an image that is larger or smaller than this will create objects that may not be life-size.
There may be circumstances that prevent projecting a 13-foot image. DART MAX has settings to help compensate for screens that are slightly smaller (or larger) than the recommended size.
It is highly recommended that you do not project images smaller than 9 feet wide and 5 feet tall. DART MAX will not be able to create life size objects if the viewing area is smaller than 9 feet across.
Shooter Distance
Assuming a screen width of 13 feet, the shooter will be positioned 10-14 feet away from the screen. DART MAX training encourages movement so the precise distance will be fluid. Be aware that targets can appear slightly larger than life-size if viewed from a distance closer than 10 feet, and slightly smaller than life-size if viewed from distances greater than 14 feet.
The variations in target size based on shooter position are not extreme and similar to what happens in the real world. You can see this effect by viewing an actual target from 10 feet and 15 feet.
Target Size
Objects in DART MAX are created to real-world specifications. Most objects (with the exception of human characters), can be scaled. Some objects, such as Flat Targets and Video Targets, are created with specific dimensions. This image of the Flat Target Editor shows a B-21E target created with a size of 23x35 inches.
Making sure that targets and other objects are accurately scaled is one way to ensure that they are projected at the proper size.
Compensating for Variances
If the screen size, shooter distance, and object sizes are all within the recommended parameters, projected targets and objects will match real-world dimensions. In other words, if you position a 23x35 inch target 21 feet away from a viewpoint, the projected target will appear at the same size as a physical 23x35 inch target when viewed from 21 feet away.
However, if the screen size, shooter distance, or target sizes differ from the recommended settings, you can compensate by changing the field of view (FOV) of scene cameras (known as viewpoints).
The default FOV setting of 60° is designed to simulate forward line of sight as shown below.
Setting the Camera FOV
Camera FOV Settings can be set in DART MAX (Range) and MAX Studio.
If you are creating your own courses, remember to use the same settings in MAX Studio as you do in DART MAX. This will ensure that courses look the same in both the development and shooting stages.
Setting the Camera FOV in DART MAX
The Camera FOV slider in DART MAX can be found in the Preferences side panel menu. The default setting is 60°. Larger FOV settings create a wider view but targets and objects appear smaller. Smaller FOV settings limit the peripheral view and increase target and object sizes.
Approximate Camera FOV Settings for Various Screen Sizes
Screen Width | 13 Feet | 12 Feet | 11 Feet | 10 Feet | 9 Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Suggested FOV | 60° | 55° | 50° | 45° | 40° |
Setting the Camera FOV in MAX Studio
The Camera FOV slider in MAX Studio can be found in the Course Settings side panel menu. The default setting is 60°. Larger FOV settings create a wider view but targets and objects appear smaller. Smaller FOV settings limit the peripheral view and increase target and object sizes.
