Generation of a virtual reality‐based automotive driving training system for CAD education

Abstract

AbstractDesigning and constructing a virtual reality‐based system is useful for educating students about scenario planning, geometric modeling and computer graphics. In particular, students are exposed to the practical issues surrounding topics such as geometric modeling, rendering, collision detection, model animation and graphical design. Meanwhile, building an application system provides students exposure to the real‐world side of software engineering that they are typically shielded from in the traditional computer class. This study is a description of the experiences with instructing “Computer‐aided Industrial design” and “OOP,” two introductory classes that focus on designing and generating the VR based system possible in the course of a semester and then “VR System,” an advanced course in the next semester. This study emphasizes the continuing evolution in the training and educational needs of students of CAD‐systems. This study breaks down an automobile driving training system into different components that are suitable for individual student projects and discusses the use of modern graphical design tools such as 3ds MAX for artistic design in this system. The conclusion of this study proposes a rough schedule for developing a VR based system during the course of a semester and an overview is given of a concept of a virtual reality‐based design and constructing system that is being developed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 148–166, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20178