Currently, objects tracking issue in immersive Virtual Reality (VR) applications is important for various applications. It is related not only to determination of the position and orientation of the user himself but also as the tool that she/he exploits in the VR environment. Among numerous methods of objects tracking, the "Lighthouse" solution implemented in the SteamVR tracking system deserves special attention. One of the main reasons is the open concept of the SteamVR tracking system and the availability of simple analytical tools, which allows users to build their own tracker modules. For correct operation, these tools require accurate data both on the parameters of the sensors and the base stations of the system. This paper describes research on these parameters. The obtained results allow for a more accurate implementation of the simulations, which are the basis for the design process of Steam devices.
KEYWORDS: Geographic information systems, Visualization, Sensors, Virtual reality, Imaging systems, 3D modeling, 3D applications, Data modeling, Panoramic photography
Virtual technologies find more and more applications in many areas of our lives, ranging from the entertainment industry to advanced real-time information systems. They can also be successfully used in spatial or geographical information systems, which increases the information potential of such solutions.
What virtual technologies can bring to GIS is related to, among others with the three-dimensionality of imaging and the possibility of its full perception with the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) solutions. VR/AR solutions offer the possibility of virtualizing various types of data as well as advanced methods of interacting with them, for example with controllers, hands, sight or verbal communication.
An example of this can be image data from systems: active (Range Gated Imaging) or panoramic. New possibilities in the field of visualization of this type of data result in the increase of analytical capabilities, among others in the field of terrafotogrammetry.
The possibility of using virtual technologies in GIS 3D solutions applies to both stationary applications (management centers) and mobile applications (field patrols). Each of these solutions brings a number of synergistic effects (including the effect of cognitive enhancement). The presented content is more adapted to the human perceptive capabilities.
The study contains selected issues and examples of solutions currently being carried out at the Institute of Optoelectronics of the Military University of Technology (IOE-MUT) by the authors.
SteamVR technology has become very popular in virtual reality applications. The most common example of its use are the HTC VIVE controllers. Applications, however, are not limited to controllers held directly in the hands. SteamVR trackers can also be placed on real objects that have their representation in the virtual world. Due to the specificity of use, it is necessary to choose the optimal part of the object to which the tracker will be attached. However, it is not always possible to obtain satisfactory results with this method. An alternative solution is a dedicated tracker project sometimes with an original detector constellation. Regardless of which path the trackers and VR applications designers will follow, it is indispensable to be able to verify the correct operation of the system: object and associated tracker, in laboratory conditions. The experimental measuring stand and the testing method has been developed based on the OptiTrack motion tracking system. The initial positive results of such measurement stand were obtained. The tests carried out concerned both the production models and the own design tracker construction placed on various shapes test objects.
KEYWORDS: Scanners, Terahertz radiation, Virtual reality, Visualization, Time of flight cameras, Augmented reality, Data acquisition, Data fusion, Imaging systems
The development of the final form of the THz scanner in MIMO technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output) requires the preparation of a measuring station that integrates control and measurement, vision and mechanical systems. The management of such a measurement system can be improved by using elements of virtual technologies. Spatial analyzes concerning a measurement object can be made using measurement space virtualization based on data from a ToF (Time of Flight) camera. Collision-free operation of the XY type scanner and Robot arm can be verified in virtual space. The correct operation of the measurement system can be verified using the augmented reality technology. The abovementioned elements very well fit into the idea of the so-called Industry 4.0 in which we are talking about cyber-physical systems. For the purposes of the research project being carried out, a simplified model of operation of such a system was proposed. However, the main focus was on the possibility of using virtual technologies and the benefits of using them.
In the real world, we can easily manipulate small objects that we hold in our hands. We can see them carefully from each side, look at the details by bringing them close to the eyes, etc. and what if the object has microscopic dimensions or on the contrary - it is very large. In this case, the matter is not so simple. However, if we have digital models of such objects, the above problems can be solved with the use of virtual technologies. An interesting example may be the use of augmented reality for this purpose and graphic tags that act as triggers for the visualization process. The tags mentioned above also play the role of positioning and orientation system of the spatial configuration: a virtual object - an observer. The process of determining spatial parameters is initiated by the results of image processing and analysis. Tests of such a solution were carried out using the optical see-through display. Initial positioning and orientation of the object relative to the observer is carried out by analyzing the video stream coming from the integrated camera. Tests of such a solution were carried out using the optical see-through display. Initial positioning and orientation of the object relative to the observer is carried out by analyzing the video stream coming from the integrated camera. The extended scope of object manipulation (change of position, orientation and scale) is obtained by means of a GUI interface integrated with the display
Information management is an inseparable part of the command process. The result is that the person making decisions at the command post interacts with data providing devices in various ways. Tools virtualization process can introduce a number of significant modifications in the design of solutions for management and command. The general idea involves replacing physical devices user interface with their digital representation (so-called Virtual instruments). A more advanced level of the systems “digitalization” is to use the mixed reality environments.
In solutions using Augmented reality (AR) customized HMI is displayed to the operator when he approaches to each device. Identification of device is done by image recognition of photo codes. Visualization is achieved by (optical) see-through head mounted display (HMD). Control can be done for example by means of a handheld touch panel.
Using the immersive virtual environment, the command center can be digitally reconstructed. Workstation requires only VR system (HMD) and access to information network. Operator can interact with devices in such a way as it would perform in real world (for example with the virtual hands).
Because of their procedures (an analysis of central vision, eye tracking) MR systems offers another useful feature of reducing requirements for system data throughput. Due to the fact that at the moment we focus on the single device.
Experiments carried out using Moverio BT-200 and SteamVR systems and the results of experimental application testing clearly indicate the ability to create a fully functional information system with the use of mixed reality technology.
Solutions in the field of virtual reality are very strongly associated with optoelectronic technologies. This applies to both process design and operation of VR applications. Technologies such as 360 cameras and 3D scanners significantly improve the design work. What is more, HMD displays with high field of view or optoelectronic Motion Capture systems and 3D cameras guarantee an extraordinary experience in immersive VR applications. This article reviews selected technologies from the perspective of their use in a broadly defined process of creating and implementing solutions for virtual reality. There is also the ability to create, modify and adapt new approaches that show team own work (SteamVR tracker). Most of the introduced examples are effectively used by authors to create different VR applications. The use of optoelectronic technology in virtual reality is presented in terms of design and operation of the system as well as referring to specific applications. Designers and users of VR systems should take a close look on new optoelectronics solutions, as they can significantly contribute to increased work efficiency and offer completely new opportunities for virtual world reception.
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