SimEscape: A Low-Cost 3D Environment Simulation Headgear for Diverse Training Applications
SimEscape is an innovative 3D environment simulation headgear designed to enable safe and immersive training in unrealistic or hazardous scenarios. Developed by a dedicated team, including Arnold Aquino and Dan Ziegler, this project harnesses advancements in technology to bring virtual reality simulation to a wider audience. With capabilities ranging from flight training to architectural walkthroughs, SimEscape offers users a unique ability to visualize and interact with computer-generated environments through head tracking. This project aims to bridge various electrical engineering fields while providing a cost-effective alternative in a burgeoning industry.
SimEscape: A Low-Cost 3D Environment Simulation Headgear for Diverse Training Applications
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Presentation Transcript
Project Goal: To create a three dimensional environment simulation headgear.
Problem Statement • There exists a need to simulate environments that are not feasible, safe, or otherwise realizable. • An environment simulator could be used for anything from flight training to hazardous material cleanup training to architectural walkthroughs.
Project Motivation • An environment simulator would require the fusion of several electrical engineering fields. • Immersive environment simulators can cost several thousand dollars; this project was motivated by a desire to bring the technology to a wider customer base in numerous fields. • Virtual reality simulation is a field that is growing as technology grows. Recent advancements in technology have made a low-cost simulator possible.
Our Solution Design Requirements System Architecture Physical Design Budget Lessons Learned Acknowledgements
Our Solution • To simulate unrealistic or dangerous situations, Team 3 designed SimEscape, a 3D environment simulation headgear. • SimEscape was designed to be a safe place for learning, visualizing, and designing.
Project Design Requirements SimEscape will be worn on the user’s head. It will allow the user to visualize a computer generated environment in three dimensions. It will track the motion of the user’s head, allowing the viewing angle to be updated by a simple turn of the head.
System Architecture Physical System: SimEscape Helmet
Virtual Environment Software Right Camera Frame Left Camera Frame
Printed Circuit Board Interface PCB (Our Prototype) 3.15” x 7.65” 2-Layer Circuit Board, 85 nets, 118 routes
Printed Circuit Board Proposed Production PCB 7” x 5” 4-Layer Circuit Board, 226 nets, 844 routes
Project Operational Budget Original Requested Budget: $500 from Calvin Revised Request: $1400 from Calvin Total Cost: $922
Lessons Learned Expect signal integrity issues Expect system integration issues (device communication, ect.) Order PCBs early to diagnose potential issues Be realistic with scope of prototype
Acknowledgments • Steve VanderLeest, Team Advisor • Phil Jasperse, Mechanical and Manufacturing Advice • Randall Brouwer, Video Processing Advice, VHDL Wizard • Chuck Holwerda, PCB Design Advice, Component Selection Advice • Jack Doornbos, Board Population Donor • Bob Dekraker, Purchasing • Tim Theriault, Industrial Consultant • Mike Stebbins, PCB Design Advice • Amy Ball, Parts Donation • Yoon Kim, Sensor Advice • James Vandenberg, Financial Advice • Nathan Gelderloos, Business Strategy Advice
