Modeling an immersive VR driving learning platform in a web‐based collaborative design environment

Abstract

AbstractA fully spatial immersive and interactive visualizations system that provides extremely vivid stereoscopic views of sceneries in 3D is developed based on the technologies of CAD, database, distributed virtual reality and computing networking. The platform, immersive VR automotive driving learning (imseADL), is developed in a web‐based collaborative design environment at the YTIT for teaching and research. The platform will can also be tools for complex system analysis and design, such as collision, stability for driving, safety, etc., in the future. In addition, the computer generated images (objects and scenes) can be tailored made to produce any simulated environment for training and skill evaluation purposes within a short period of time. In this paper, based on the analysis of the dynamic nature of collaborative design process, a new framework of collaborative design for modeling an imseADL is described. This framework adopts an agent‐based approach and relocates designers, system and the supporting agents in a unified knowledge representation scheme for imseADL design. A prototype system of the proposed framework is implemented and its feasibility is evaluated using a real design scenario whose objective is designing an imseADL. Meanwhile, the imseADL will also provide a means for learners to study their operations without the need to physically visiting these facilities. More importantly, experiments can be performed on the virtual scenes whereby operation and design parameters can be changed in a safe and controlled situation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 553–567, 2012