Virtual Reality Simulation System Research Articles

SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR MANNED MANEUVERING UNIT IN VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT

A brief introduction of a virtual reality simulation system for manned maneuvering unit (MMU) is presented, MMU's dynamics/kinematics module and thruster system module are formulated. Astronaut's multi-body model is established according to characteristics of spacewalking. With the using of FOB (flock of bird: a motion tracking system), the system records operator's limbs motion, maps the record information to astronaut's limbs motio'n and introduces it to the computation of dynamics/kinematics model. Thus, actual astronaut space-walking can be simulated more vividly in this system. The entire system is created with a distributed framework for the purpose of MMU control system's fast design and simulation. The design and simulation of control system are finished in the environment of MATLAB/Simulink with the control system isolated from other modules of the MMU virtual prototype system. The co-simulation between control module and the service program of MMU is accomplished making use of network technologies.

Effect of augmented visual feedback from a virtual reality simulation system on manual dexterity training

Little research has been published about the impact of simulation technology on the learning process of novel motor skills. Especially the role of augmented feedback (FB) on the quality of performance and the transfer of the acquired behaviour to a no-augmented FB condition require further investigation. Therefore, novice dental students were randomly assigned to one of three groups and given the task of drilling a geometrical class 1 cavity. The FB group trained under augmented visual FB conditions, provided by the virtual reality (VR) system (DentSim). The no-FB group practised under normal vision conditions, in the absence of augmented FB. A control group performed the test sessions without participating in any training programme. All preparations were evaluated by the VR grading system according to four traditional (outline shape, floor depth, floor smoothness and wall inclination), and two critical, criteria (pulp exposure and damage to adjacent teeth). Performance analyses revealed an overall trend towards significant improvement with training for the experimental groups. The FB group obtained the highest scores. It scored better for floor depth (P < 0.001), whilst the no-FB group was best for floor smoothness (P < 0.005). However, at the retention tests, the FB group demonstrated inferior performance in comparison with the no-FB group. The transfer test on a traditional unit revealed no significant differences between the training groups. Consequently, drilling experience on a VR system under the condition of frequently provided FB and lack of any tutorial input was considered to be not beneficial to learning. The present data are discussed in view of the guidance hypothesis of FB, which refers to the apprentice's dependence on FB.

Validation of virtual reality simulators: Key to the successful integration of a novel teaching technology into minimal access surgery

Minimal access surgery (MAS) requires additional training in the surgical curriculum, as skills needed to perform MAS are quite different from those used in open surgery. Moreover, residents do not seem to experience ample opportunity to gain such skills in the current surgical curriculum. Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers an interesting opportunity to train such skills in a safe, supporting environment. As with any new development, one should be careful about integrating costly technology into practice before it has been properly validated.This article outlines the requirements for a valid and integrated approach towards the integration of novel VR simulation systems in minimal access surgery.

Virtual reality simulator for osteotomy and fusion involving the musculoskeletal system

In this study, the three-dimensional virtual reality simulation system described herein provides preoperative simulation to verify that the osteotomy and fusion procedures chosen to treat musculoskeletal defects are appropriate. The system also provides an excellent means of training surgeons in new operations without putting patients at risk, and may be especially useful for difficult surgical procedures often performed in orthopedics, craniofacial disease, or plastic and reconstructive surgery departments. The system can be used to teach intern and train resident doctors, and is a planning tool for visiting staff.

Multimodal virtual reality: Input‐output devices, system integration, and human factors

Virtual reality (VR) involves multimodal interactions with computer‐simulated worlds through visual, auditory, and haptic feedback. This article reviews the state of the art in special‐purpose input‐output devices, such as trackers, sensing gloves, 3‐D audio cards, stereo displays, and haptic feedback masters. The integration of these devices in local and network‐distributed VR simulation systems is subsequently discussed. Finally, we present human‐factor studies that quantify the benefits of several feedback modalities on simulation realism and sensorial immersion. Specifically, we consider tracking and dextrous manipulation task performance in terms of error rates and learning times when graphics, audio, and haptic feedback are provided.

A Distributed Virtual Reality Simulation System for Situational Training

This paper presents a laboratory review of current research being undertaken at Sandia National Laboratories in the development of a distributed virtual reality simulation system for situational training applications. An overview of the project is presented, followed by a discussion of the various components, both hardware and software. Finally, a training application being developed utilizing the system is presented.