The cyber classroom – the future of learning
Applications
Visualisation technologies are growing in popularity as a way of helping learners to understand complex situations. This is particularly true in product development, CAD, CAE and architecture, areas where virtual reality (VR) systems open up whole new possibilities. For example, in the planning phase they can be used to view a future building in different shapes and colours, or analyse the function of the air conditioning system with the aid of flow simulations. Using augmented reality technologies it is even possible to merge virtual and real objects in the same image.
 VR applications in architecture
(Source: VISENSO) |
 VR applications in flow simulation
(Source: VISENSO) |
These technologies also provide an innovative and profitable way of presenting information, such as product features, production processes or information about a company. They allow users to create immersive product presentations and virtual trade fair stands. VR systems are also making inroads into education, with teachers using VR to help students understand complex situations in a three-dimensional virtual world: anatomy in biology class, production processes in technology class, or chemical reactions in chemistry class. There is strong interest in encouraging the use of this efficient teaching method in schools and promoting the educational use of VR simulation in what is known as the “cyber classroom”.
 The future of interactive learning: the cyber classroom (Source: VISENSO)
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 Working with VR systems (Source: VISENSO)
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In educational applications it is essential that the technology can detect complex hand movements in real time to enable smooth interaction with the virtual objects on the monitor or screen. The input device must therefore be very lightweight yet robust and user-friendly. Modern systems are usually based on high-precision optical measurement technology which is expensive to buy and install. This explains the slow uptake of such systems in schools and universities. So the aim of the project under discussion here was to develop an innovative, user-friendly and low-cost input device.
The development project and the results
Nowadays there are microsensors that can detect movement within a given space yet are very affordable compared with traditional “macroscopic” sensors. However, they do not have the resolution or signal stability required for the precise detection of hand movements within this space. The sensor signals must therefore be optimally processed and correctly interpreted together with other sensor information. This is where adaptive filters can prove very useful.
The input device used in the VRiiD project uses a type of microsensor that is becoming increasingly popular in the computer game industry. The aim of the project was to optimise evaluation of the sensor signals generated by the user and to achieve realistic visualisation in semi-real time.
For this to be achieved the system requires a suitable combination of optical and inertial information from the sensor to analyse the user’s hand movements. Inertial sensors such as accelerometers have been used in the automotive industry for many years, for example in airbags.
 Demonstration of the new input system
(Source: VISENSO) |
The necessary knowledge of sensorics and adaptive signal processing methodology was provided by the Institute of Microtechnology and Information Technology (HSG-IMIT). Stuttgart-based VISENSO GmbH is a leading supplier of interactive virtual reality and collaborative working technologies. For its role in the project the company evaluated the input unit and integrated the developed algorithms into the superordinate VR systems.
It is already evident that the enhanced level of interactivity will make learning a much more efficient process. Extensive trials are underway in schools to allow different applications to be tested by various individuals with a view to ensuring optimum usability.Project feedback
Martin Zimmermann, CEO of Visenso GmbH:
“The challenge for this project was to adapt existing systems as found in consumer goods and computer games to the needs of engineering and education. The application centre achieved a startling success working in partnership with HSG-IMIT.”
Martin Trächtler, product group manager for inertial sensors and systems at HSG-IMIT:
“The level of collaboration was outstanding and the competencies of the individual partners optimally complemented each other. This was what enabled us to achieve key findings and results.”
Contacts
If you are interested in virtual reality systems and their applications, then please contact Martin Zimmermann, CEO of VISENSO GmbH. More information about our development services is available from the application centre:
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Martin Zimmermann |
Dr. Thomas Link MicroMountains Applications AG, Romäusring 4, 78050 Villingen-Schwenningen Tel. +49 (7721) 206 495-1 E-Mail: link@mm-applications.com |
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