Experience in developing VR simulators in 2021 based on HTC Vive. Part 1
Greetings to Habr readers. In this article I would like to share the experience of developing VR simulators developed by our team this year.
To begin with, I propose to define the terms, i.e. what exactly do we mean by “simulators”. The computer simulation simulator is a software for personal computers and is a means of professional training of personnel, intended for the formation and improvement of the trainees’ professional skills and abilities.
Computer simulation simulators are used for systematic training, i.e. to ensure the assimilation of a certain set of knowledge, skills, abilities and procedures. The task to be solved is to ensure that the materials or skills being learned correspond to the requirements of the future work, the effectiveness of the educational process, and also to ensure that the stereotypes learned during training are successfully transferred to the conditions of real work.
Complex for training car paint tinting and car painting
The virtual painting simulator is intended for training specialists of the painting and body area in a classroom without the need to spend real paints and varnishes. Serves the goals of the development of the educational process, makes it possible to scale the training base, safely simulate real processes, saves consumables and automates knowledge control.
What tasks were set:
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Study of technological maps
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Selection and mixing of components of paints and varnishes
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Studying the spray gun setup procedure
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Learning paint mechanics
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Study the procedure for performing paintwork
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Study the procedure for issuing a vehicle
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Using a full range of helmet fatigue-reducing products (e.g. https://www.pvsm.ru/igry/89368/print/).
Created 3D models – objects for interaction in VR:
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Car parts for painting
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Personal protective equipment – gloves for hand protection, respirator mask, painter’s suit.
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Mixing ruler.
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scales
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Air compressor to ensure the operation of pneumatic tools.
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Tinting table.
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Spectrophotometer.
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A set of pigments and components Duxone (54 pcs.)
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Preparation area for car painting. In the upper part there is a ventilation system, lighting and curtains extending to the floor.
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Spray booth. Includes lighting systems, supply and exhaust ventilation. Additionally equipped with a heating and air filtration system to speed up the drying process.
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Pneumatic spray gun.
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Respirator half mask and respirator mask 3M. Protects the respiratory system from gases, vapors, aerosols, etc.
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Equipment of the preparation area for painting.
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Infrared dryer.
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Holders of painting parts during painting (“helicopter” type).
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Mixing utensils.
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Test piece painting cabinet and test pieces
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Thermometer
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Sample wiping cloth
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Light cabinet
What was done:
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The simulator uses real codes and names of paints and varnishes in accordance with manufacturers’ lines, which simplifies the process of training painters and technologists.
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Mathematical model of mixing the components of paints and varnishes, such as solvents, thickeners, bases, as well as choosing a color from pigments. The correct proportion of the mixture affects the quality and visualization of the painting process.
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The following settings have been implemented: changing the nozzle, changing the pressure in the spray gun, changing the radii of the torch.
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The accompanying stages of the technological process of painting are simulated: degreasing the surface, drying the painted part, grinding the part.
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A mathematical model of the torch physics has been created. The physical model of the spray gun torch is as reliable as possible, the main aspects that affect the quality and visualization of the paint are taken into account: the distance from the nozzle to the surface, – the angle of deviation of the torch direction from the normal to the painted surface, the speed of the spray gun, – the touch of the painted surfaces. Calculation of the volume of paint and varnish material used in the painting process, the thickness of the applied layer on each surface area.
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Visual display of excessive / insufficient surface painting (consumption rates of paints and varnishes for surfaces are set according to flow charts)
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Assembled a hardware complex based on the HTC Vive system
Why HTC Vive?
We couldn’t find an alternative to HTC Vive Tracker trackers. A handy piece that can be attached, for example, to a spray gun and with the help of a mikrik on the trigger and pogo pins, transmit the push signal.
What happened in the end:
https://lcontent.ru/CompleteComplex/
Where did we go wrong and redo
Assembling the stand on an “office TV rack” was not the team’s best idea. As a result, a huge number of wires and the overall look were not very good, which spoiled the overall impression of the product a little, despite the excellent software solution.
In the next projects, we will try already “specialized” stands for VR, just such we found from a company from which, by the way, we have always bought VR equipment) – https://virtuality.club/
