State-of-the-art 3D laboratory
An absolutely exceptional lab combining the latest CAD, 3D, VR, multi-projection and tracking tools. Plus the equivalent of a classroom full of 3D scanners, tablets, workstations and 3D printing.
Every modern space must meet the current requirements, not only in terms of new design trends, but above all from the user's perspective. This is no different in the new Czech Technical University classrooms for virtual learning
One classroom is used for frontal teaching and the other special classroom is equipped with the 3D Cave technology and a space with a tracking system and VRBackpacks.
ROOM WITH 16 STUDENT STATIONS (FRONTAL TEACHING)
The classroom is adapted for hands-on practice and group learning. Each student has an acquisition device and a touch layer with a precision stylus on his/her desk. The equipment includes a 3D scanning system which, using a calibrated camera and photogrammetry software, allows the measurement and 3D scanning of spatial objects, while the system can also be used to transmit images to frontal displays. In addition, the workstations are also equipped with virtual reality glasses (Windows Mixed Reality type) for fully immersive learning at the individual workstation.
Each student has the ability, using special controllers, to navigate through the embedded virtual 3D space or to view 3D objects. Optionally, the teacher can switch the output of the software to one of the 80" front-facing displays with 4K resolution at any time.
ROOM WITH 3D CAVE
The CAVE 3D room is used for displaying and verifying virtual prototypes. Due to the spatial arrangement, it is possible to compare actual physical parts of the components with the virtual prototype in this space. Practically, the space is equipped with a set of synchronous active projectors and a tracking system for the virtual aids and 3D glasses of the participants. One participant with active glasses moves in the space, while the 3D display of all projectors adapts to his current position and view. The overall impression is that the scene fully surrounds him (he is immersed in the space). Using virtual wireless aids, the user can handle selected 3D objects of the scene and perform annotation of virtual 3D objects, their cutting and virtual measurements. Multiple participants can move in the CAVE space, but only the one wearing the glasses with the tracking target (the tracked object on the glasses) has an ideal view of the scene
The software corresponds to the described purposes, i.e. each projector contains a software system for displaying the 3D scene (rendering node), which is synchronized and controlled by a central software on the main computer (master node).
SPACE WITH TRACKING CAMERAS AND BACKPACKS
The free space in front of the CAVE system is designed for fully immersive learning experience and prototype virtualization. It is a cooperative VR environment allowing, among other things, physical movement and exploration of and interaction with virtual 3D scenes. Users have special powerful mobile workstations placed in “backpacks” on their backs, connected to virtual reality glasses (called HMDs - Head Mounted Displays). This system is designed for multiple users at the same time; in our case the workstation is designed for a total of 4 people cooperating at the same time. Special backpacks (VRBackpacks) allow free movement, while thanks to the tracking cameras the participants can "see" each other also in the virtual space where they share the same scene. The display of other participants in a totally immersive environment prevents physical collisions and at the same time makes mutual cooperation possible. Inside the virtual space, it is possible to point at the 3D model in the virtual scene, annotate selected parts of it, manipulate selected objects, make virtual measurements (dimensions) and virtual sections of 3D objects.
VRBackpacks are versatile computing units that can be used not only in the tracked (tracking) space.
The way of working inside this space is known as “experience reality” (xR) and combines the principles of virtual reality, total immersion and cooperative working, such as video conferencing.
3D CAVE at the Czech Technical University
