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The paper describes the implementation of practical laboratory settings in a virtual environment. With the entry of VR glasses into the mass market, there is a chance to establish educational and training applications for displaying some teaching materials and practical works. Therefore our project focuses on the realization of virtual experiments and environments, which gives users a deep insight into selected subfields of Optics and Photonics. Our goal is not to substitute the hand on experiments rather to extend them. By means of VR glasses, the user is offered the possibility to view the experiment from several angles and to make changes through interactive control functions. During the VR application, additional context-related information is displayed. By using object recognition, the specific graphics and texts for the respective object are loaded and supplemented at the appropriate place. Thus, complex facts are supported in an informative way. The prototype is developed using the Unity Engine and can thus be exported to different platforms and end devices. Another major advantage of virtual simulations to the real situation is the high degree of controllability as well as the easy repeatability. With slight modifications, entire experiments can be reused. Our research aims to acquire new knowledge in the field of e-learning in association with VR technology. Here we try to answer a core question of the compatibility of the individual media components.
VR-based implementation of interactive laboratory experiments in optics and photonics education
(2022)
Within the framework of a developed blended learning concept, a lot of experience has already been gained with a mixture of theoretical lectures and hands-on activities, combined with the advantages of modern digital media. Here, visualizations using videos, animations and augmented reality have proven to be effective tools to convey learning content in a sustainable way. In the next step, ideas and concepts were developed to implement hands-on laboratory experiments in a virtual environment. The main focus is on the realization of virtual experiments and environments that give the students a deep insight into selected subfields of optics and photonics.
Currently, immersive technologies are enjoying great popularity. This trend is reflected in technological advances and the emergence of new products for the mass market, such as augmented reality glasses. The range of applications for immersive technologies is growing with more efficient and affordable technologies and student adoption. Especially in education, the use will improve existing learning methods. Immersive application use visual, audio and haptic sensors to fully engage the user in a virtual environment. This impression is reinforced with the help of realistic visualizations and the opportunity for interaction. In particular, Augmented reality is characterized by a high degree of integration between reality and the inserted virtual objects. An augmented interactive simulation for the determination of the specific charge of an electron will be used as an example to demonstrate how such immersion can be created for users. A virtual Helmholtz coil is used to measure and calculate the e/m constant. The voltage at the cathode for generating the electron beam, but also the voltage of the homogeneous magnetic field for deflecting the electron beam, can be variably controlled by haptic user input. Based on these voltages, an immersive virtual electron beam is calculated and visualized. In this paper, the authors present the conceptual steps of this immersive application and address the challenges associated with designing and developing an augmented and interactive simulation.
The International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies 2015 (IYL 2015) was celebrated around the world. Worldwide activities were organized to highlight the impact of optics and photonics on life, science, economics, arts and culture, and also in education. With most of our activities at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Offenburg/Germany), we reached our own students and the general population of our region: - University for Children: “The Magic of Light“ winter lecture program and “Across the Universe with Relativity and Quantum Theory” summer lecture program - “Students Meet Scientists” - “A Century of General Relativity Theory” lecture program Nevertheless, with some of our activities we also engaged a worldwide audience: - IYL 2015 art poster collection (Magic of Light and No Football, Just Photonics) - Smart Interactive Projection - Twitter Wall - “Invisible Light” - Live broadcasting of the total lunar eclipse - Film Festival Merida Mexico The authors will highlight recent activities at our university dedicated to promote, celebrate, and create a legacy for the IYL 2015.
This paper explains the realization of a concept for research-oriented photonics education. Using the example of the integration of an actual PhD project, it is shown how students are familiarized with the topic of research and scientific work in the first semesters. Typical research activities are included as essential parts of the learning process. Research should be made visible and tangible for the students. The authors will present all aspects of the learning environment, their impressions and experiences with the implemented scenario, as well as first evaluation results of the students.
Practical exercises are a crucial part of many curricula. Even simple exercises can improve the understanding of the underlying subject. Most experimental setups require special hardware. To carry out e. g. a lens experiments the students need access to an optical bench, various lenses, light sources, apertures and a screen. In our previous publication we demonstrated the use of augmented reality visualization techniques in order to let the students prepare with a simulated experimental setup. Within the context of our intended blended learning concept we want to utilize augmented or virtual reality techniques for stationary laboratory exercises. Unlike applications running on mobile devices, stationary setups can be extended more easily with additional interfaces and thus allow for more complex interactions and simulations in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The most significant difference is the possibility to allow interactions beyond touching a screen. The LEAP Motion controller is a small inexpensive device that allows for the tracking of the user’s hands and fingers in three dimensions. It is conceivable to allow the user to interact with the simulation’s virtual elements by the user’s very hand position, movement and gesture. In this paper we evaluate possible applications of the LEAP Motion controller for simulated experiments in augmented and virtual reality. We pay particular attention to the devices strengths and weaknesses and want to point out useful and less useful application scenarios. © (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In many scientific studies lens experiments are part of the curriculum. The conducted experiments are meant to give the students a basic understanding for the laws of optics and its applications. Most of the experiments need special hardware like e.g. an optical bench, light sources, apertures and different lens types. Therefore it is not possible for the students to conduct any of the experiments outside of the university’s laboratory. Simple optical software simulators enabling the students to virtually perform lens experiments already exist, but are mostly desktop or web browser based.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a special case of mediated and mixed reality concepts, where computers are used to add, subtract or modify one’s perception of reality. As a result of the success and widespread availability of handheld mobile devices, like e.g. tablet computers and smartphones, mobile augmented reality applications are easy to use. Augmented reality can be easily used to visualize a simulated optical bench. The students can interactively modify properties like e.g. lens type, lens curvature, lens diameter, lens refractive index and the positions of the instruments in space. Light rays can be visualized and promote an additional understanding of the laws of optics. An AR application like this is ideally suited to prepare the actual laboratory sessions and/or recap the teaching content.
The authors will present their experience with handheld augmented reality applications and their possibilities for light and optic experiments without the needs for specialized optical hardware.
Live streaming of events over an IP network as a catalyst in media technology education and training
(2020)
The paper describes how students are involved in applied research when setting up the technology and running a live event. Real-time IP transmission in broadcast environments via fiber optics will become increasingly important in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to create a platform in this area where students can learn how to handle IP infrastructure and fiber optics. With this in mind, we have built a fully functional TV control room that is completely IP-based. The authors present the steps in the development of the project and show the advantages of the proposed digital solutions. The IP network proves to be a synergy between the involved teams: participants of the robot competition and the members of the media team. These results are presented in the paper. Our activities aim to awaken enthusiasm for research and technology in young people. Broadcasts of live events are a good opportunity for "hands on" activities.