Evaluation of Interaction Devices for Projector Based Virtual Reality Aircraft Inspection Training Environments

Abstract

The Aircraft maintenance and inspection is a complex system wherein humans play a key role in ensuring the worthiness of the aircraft. Traditional visual inspection training consisted mainly of on-the-job training (OJT). While OJT provides novice inspectors with the hands-on experience critical to effective transfer, it lacks the ability to provide real-time feedback and exposure to various scenarios in which to inspect.With advances in technology, computer simulators have been developed to train the novice inspector and reduce the learning curve inherent with transitioning from the classroom to the workforce. Advances in graphics and virtual reality (VR) technology have allowed for an increase the sense of involvement in using these simulators. Though these simulators are effective, their deployment in aircraft maintenance training schools is limited by the high cost of VR equipment. This research investigates the effectiveness of different interaction devices for providing projector based simulated aircraft maintenance inspection training.

Interaction and visual performance in stereoscopic displays: A review

“…this method is subject to bias because it is difficult to tell how many meters away the point is located, and it is too noisy to be accurate. In perceptual matching, participants observe a target and move another object a distance perceived to be similar . The bias in perceptual matching is far lower than that in verbal reporting, and decisions can be considered more accurate.…”

“…17,18 The current capabilities of VR are currently used to great benefit in many areas, such as 3D movies, medical surgery training and diagnosis, education and training, robotics, archeology, geography, and neuroscience. 3,4,11,14,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Long used in laboratories, VR now features recent applications such as architectural walkthroughs, phobia therapy, and entertainment. 1,13 Richard et al 26 proposed a framework for dynamic VEs to address sporting activities such as catching, throwing, and striking.…”

“…If they are perceived to be real and interactions are reasonably easy, VEs can provide safe and cost‐effective immersion in environments that otherwise would be inaccessible, dangerous, or costly . The current capabilities of VR are currently used to great benefit in many areas, such as 3D movies, medical surgery training and diagnosis, education and training, robotics, archeology, geography, and neuroscience . Long used in laboratories, VR now features recent applications such as architectural walkthroughs, phobia therapy, and entertainment .…”

Distance estimation of near‐field visual objects in stereoscopic displays

“…The advances in computing technology in the past few decades have widened the breadth of application of virtual environments. Areas that have benefited from current virtual reality technology include 3D movies, medical surgery training and diagnosis, education and training, robotics, archeology, geography, and neuroscience . Immersive virtual reality is applied mostly in training operations .…”

“…Areas that have benefited from current virtual reality technology include 3D movies, medical surgery training and diagnosis, education and training, robotics, archeology, geography, and neuroscience. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Immersive virtual reality is applied mostly in training operations. 6,8,9 If, as anticipated, the accuracy of interfaces improves, it is also expected that training, simulation, education, and entertainment will find new areas of applications for the technology.…”