VR Tools Research Articles

Using Virtual Reality tools to support simulations of manufacturing instances in Process Simulate: The case of an iCIM 3000 system

Nowadays the trends in manufacturing are aimed at exploding and using the full potential of production devices and systems. In this context, Simulation and VR tools play a key role in the evolution of such systems specially if used in conjunction. By using these tools, the present paper focused on the analyses of an iCIM 3000 system. The main goal of the paper lied on studying the possibilities of increasing the efficiency and effectivity of whole system and its individual devices. This was achieved by means of the creation of simulations and their comparison to the real system. At the same time, the results of the simulations themselves also became the basis for further and richer analyses by means of the use of VR tools that allowed a much deeper and detailed take of the whole system. The use of VR tools offered a better assessment and comprehension of the system under study what at the same time also worked as a feedback for the improvement of the initial simulations, and this by eliminating and/or improving unnecessary movements and collisions. The results of this study have a positive significance in the improvement of the system once these are implemented.

Finalizing a Low-Cost Photogrammetric Workflow: From Panoramic Photos to Heritage 3D Documentation and Visualization

The research aims to optimize a workflow of architecture documentation: starting from panoramic photos and tackling available instruments and technologies the aim is to propose an integrated, quick and low-cost solution of Virtual Architecture. The broader research background shows how to use spherical panoramic images for the architectural metric survey. The input data (oriented panoramic photos), the level of reliability and Image-based Modeling methods constitute an integrated and flexible 3D reconstruction approach: from the professional survey of cultural heritage to its communication in virtual museum. The proposed work results from the integration and implementation of different techniques (Multi-Image Spherical Photogrammetry, Structure from Motion, Dense Image Matching and Image-based Modeling) with the aim to achieve high metric accuracy and photorealistic performance. Different documentation chances are possible within the proposed workflow: from the virtual navigation of spherical panoramas to complex solutions of simulation and virtual reconstruction. VR tools make for the integration of different technologies and the development of new solutions for virtual navigation. Image-based Modeling techniques allow 3D model reconstruction with photo realistic and high-resolution texture. High resolution of panoramic photo and algorithms of panorama orientation and photogrammetric restitution vouch high accuracy and high-resolution texture. Automated techniques and their following integration are subject of this research. Data, advisably processed and integrated, provide different levels of analysis and virtual reconstruction joining the photogrammetric accuracy to the photorealistic performance of the shaped surfaces. Lastly, new solutions of heritage interactive and immersive communication are tested as inevitable visualization consequence of previous experimental results.

Technical Possibilities of Cloud-Based Virtual Reality Implementing Software as a Service for Online Collaboration in Urban Planning

In this paper we discuss the technical possibilities of cloud-based virtual reality (cloud-based VR) computing tools for online collaboration in urban planning and design. We first create a digital asset representing our design proposal of a pedestrian bridge in Shibuya, Tokyo. A platform for cloud-based VR technology, i.e., a VR-Cloud server, is used to open the VR dataset to public collaboration over the Internet. The digital asset representing the design scheme of our pedestrian bridge includes buildings, roads, trees and street furniture for the entire urban area. The vehicles and people are designed and inputted into the virtual world of the urban area, in which they run and walk with predefined behaviour scenarios. Users share the VR world by accessing the VR-Cloud servers from remote clients, using cloud communication software to review vehicle and pedestrian crowd simulations and discuss the design concepts. Meanwhile, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of three cloud-based VR tools on their technical support for net collaboration: 1) VR-Cloud; 2) Google Earth; and 3) 3DVIA.

FROM PANORAMIC PHOTOS TO A LOW-COST PHOTOGRAMMETRIC WORKFLOW FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE 3D DOCUMENTATION

Abstract. The research aims to optimize a workflow of architecture documentation: starting from panoramic photos, tackling available instruments and technologies to propose an integrated, quick and low-cost solution of Virtual Architecture. The broader research background shows how to use spherical panoramic images for the architectural metric survey. The input data (oriented panoramic photos), the level of reliability and Image-based Modeling methods constitute an integrated and flexible 3D reconstruction approach: from the professional survey of cultural heritage to its communication in virtual museum. The proposed work results from the integration and implementation of different techniques (Multi-Image Spherical Photogrammetry, Structure from Motion, Imagebased Modeling) with the aim to achieve high metric accuracy and photorealistic performance. Different documentation chances are possible within the proposed workflow: from the virtual navigation of spherical panoramas to complex solutions of simulation and virtual reconstruction. VR tools make for the integration of different technologies and the development of new solutions for virtual navigation. Image-based Modeling techniques allow 3D model reconstruction with photo realistic and high-resolution texture. High resolution of panoramic photo and algorithms of panorama orientation and photogrammetric restitution vouch high accuracy and high-resolution texture. Automated techniques and their following integration are subject of this research. Data, advisably processed and integrated, provide different levels of analysis and virtual reconstruction joining the photogrammetric accuracy to the photorealistic performance of the shaped surfaces. Lastly, a new solution of virtual navigation is tested. Inside the same environment, it proposes the chance to interact with high resolution oriented spherical panorama and 3D reconstructed model at once.

Using virtual reality and 3D industrial numerical models for immersive interactive checklists

At the different stages of the PLM, companies develop numerous checklist-based procedures involving prototype inspection and testing. Besides, techniques from CAD, 3D imaging, animation and virtual reality now form a mature set of tools for industrial applications. The work presented in this article develops a unique framework for immersive checklist-based project reviews that applies to all steps of the PLM. It combines immersive navigation in the checklist, virtual experiments when needed and multimedia update of the checklist. It provides a generic tool, independent of the considered checklist, relies on the integration of various VR tools and concepts, in a modular way, and uses an original gesture recognition. Feasibility experiments are presented, validating the benefits of the approach.

Between the Real and the Virtual: 3D visualization in the Cultural Heritage domain - expectations and prospects

<p>The paper discusses two uses of 3D Visualization and Virtual Reality (hereafter VR) of Cultural Heritage (CH) assets: a less used one, in the archaeological / historical research and a more frequent one, as a communication medium in CH museums. While technological effort has been mainly invested in improving the “accuracy” of VR (determined as how truthfully it reproduces the “CH reality”), issues related to scientific requirements, (data transparency, separation between “real” and “virtual”, etc.), are largely neglected, or at least not directly related to the 3D outcome, which may explain why, after more than twenty years of producing VR models, they are still rarely used in the archaeological research. The paper will present a proposal for developing VR tools as such as to be meaningful CH research tools as well as a methodology for designing VR outcomes to be used as a communication medium in CH museums.</p>

VRKidney for Serially Sectioned Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction by Using Visible Korean Human Data Set

A common approach when reconstructing a 3D model from medical images is to do segmentation and registration manually and reconstruct these images in Maya or other 3D modeling software. To afford an effective interaction with serially sectioned medical images and reconstructed 3D models, we propose VRKidney. This medical simulation software acts as a common VR tools on computer for man-machine interaction. By integrating image registration, segmentation and reconstruction, VRKidney provides a fast registration and segmentation method using ITK and an interactive manipulation using VTK. This paper discusses the implementation of VRKidney for serially sectioned images and 3D models of human kidney and provides an initial evaluation of the usability of VRKidney in virtual human functions simulation.

The Effect of a Virtual Reality Experiment Program on the Science Achievement, Science Related Attitude and Scientific Creativity: Centering the Chemistry Unit in the 10th Grade Science Textbook

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of a Virtual Reality Experiment Program(VREP) for high school students. For this study, the VREP was developed by using the 3D-Works and Virtual Reality Modeling Language(VRML). The experiments consisted of eight chemistry experiment items from the 10th grade science textbook. We selected 126 10th grade high school students. They were divided into two groups. Experimental group's students had a VREP aided instruction and control group's students had a traditional explanatory teaching methods for three months. They were tested for science achievement, science related attitude and scientific creativity as a pretest, and then retested as a posttest. The result of this study is that the VREP aided instruction is more significant than the traditional explanatory teaching methods for the science achievement and science related attitude. But VREP was no significant improvement in the scientific creativity. And then we knew that we need to develop more improved science instructional VREP and VR tools which are simpler directions for use and process. Moreover, in the future it will be interesting to develop a VREP that makes improvement for the student's scientific creativity.

Presence for design: conveying atmosphere through video collages.

Product designers use imagery for inspiration in their creative design process. To support creativity, designers apply many tools and techniques, which often rely on their ability to be inspired by found and previously made visual material and to experience the atmosphere of the user environment. Computer tools and developments in VR offer perspectives to support this kind of imagery and presence in the design process. But currently these possibilities come at too high a technological overhead and price to be usable in the design practice. This article proposes an expressive and technically lightweight approach using the possibilities of VR and computer tools, by creating a sketchy environment using video collages. Instead of relying on highly realistic or even "hyperreal" graphics, these video collages use lessons learned from theater and cinema to get a sense of atmosphere across. Product designers can use these video collages to reexperience their observations in the environment in which a product is to be used, and to communicate this atmosphere to their colleagues and clients. For user-centered design, video collages can also provide an environmental context for concept testing with prospective user groups.

Developing a Virtual Reality User Interface (VRUI) for Geographic Information Retrieval on the Internet

The exponential growth of the World Wide Web provides the potential for greatly enhanced dissemination of global data‐sets and information. However, the concurrent rise in data supply also means that new tools are required for information retrieval beyond the conventional graphical user‐interface (GUI). This paper reviews the development of web‐based GIS functionality and demonstrates how the multi‐dimensional capabilities of VR tools can bring enhanced data exploration and visualisation onto the Internet by providing a more powerful 3D user‐interface to identify and query data‐sets. One key to the development of such interactive tools is the link between the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) and the JAVA platform, which together allow dynamic 3D content to be accessed through a web browser. Exploration of large diverse data‐sets is demonstrated by a prototype system allowing the integration of terrain‐based geoscience data‐sets for scientific visualisation and education. The current limitations of the technology are discussed and further suggestions are made to improve the information content of the Internet.

Developing the tools for practical VR applications [Medicine

VR tools and techniques are rapidly developing in the scientific, engineering, and medical areas. Although traditionally used as input devices to virtual worlds, instrumented gloves may become the tools of choice to measure, monitor, and amplify upper-extremity motion. While we have identified potential clinical applications to VR input devices, many technological challenges must be met before such devices can be made available for patient care. The innovators in medical VR will be called upon to refine technical efficiency and increase physical and psychological comfort and capability, while keeping an eye to reducing costs for health care. The mandate is complex, but like VR technology itself, the possibilities are exciting and promising.