An Immersive VR System for Sports Education

Abstract

SUMMARYThe development of new technologies has undoubtedly promoted the advances of modern education, among which Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have made the education more visually accessible for students. However, classroom education has been the focus of VR applications whereas not much research has been done in promoting sports education using VR technologies. In this paper, an immersive VR system is designed and implemented to create a more intuitive and visual way of teaching tennis. A scalable system architecture is proposed in addition to the hardware setup layout, which can be used for various immersive interactive applications such as architecture walkthroughs, military training simulations, other sports game simulations, interactive theaters, and telepresent exhibitions. Realistic interaction experience is achieved through accurate and robust hybrid tracking technology, while the virtual human opponent is animated in real time using shader-based skin deformation. Potential future extensions are also discussed to improve the teaching/learning experience.

Self-Help Training System for Nursing Students to Learn Patient Transfer Skills

“…Furthermore, several researchers have combined haptic systems with VR technology for precisely reproducing real-world conditions toward constructing simulation training systems for surgery skills [33] and dental procedures [34]. VR technology has also been used for developing a tennis training system [35], and in conjunction with motion capture, a system capable of displaying a virtual master for the trainee to follow was also developed [36]. AR technology has been applied for developing a training platform for workers to improve their assembly and maintenance skills [37] whereas mobile robotics has been deployed for assisting trainees in learning dance skills [38] by using a robot to reproduce the information on the position and distance of dance steps.…”

Enhancing Winter Sport Activities: Improving the Visual Perception and Spatial Awareness of Downhill Winter Athletes with Augmented Reality Headset Displays

“…For example, Stinson & Bowman (2014) developed and tested a VR system for athlete psychology training, which utilizes a virtual soccer goalkeeper application to trigger anxiety in participants, preparing them for high-pressure real world situations. In another study, a team of researchers developed an immersive VR tennis education system, by utilizing new and emerging technologies such as a High-Definition (HD) stereoscopic two wall display, accurate hybrid motion tracking, haptic (vibrational) feedback, and intelligent character animation control to achieve a real-time tennis experience for participants (Song, Xu, Fong, Chin, Chua & Huang, 2012). Training systems can utilize varying levels of VR/AR to simulate realistic training conditions allowing athletes to train in a more safe and controlled environment with realistic situations that focus on simulating the weather, time pressure, visuals and gravitational forces (Song et al, 2012(Song et al, , pg.…”

“…Although some athletes may initially be hesitant to train in a VR environment, there are some key benefits to VR training when compared to real-world training. First, "the weather in a VR environment can be easily manipulated" (Song et al, 2012(Song et al, , pg. 1324 to distract the user and increase, or decrease the difficulty of the activity.…”

“…Second, the variables or, "feelings playing a game can be simulated and changed (gravity, ball speed, spin etc.)" (Song et al, 2012(Song et al, , pg. 1324 to similarly increase, or decrease activity difficulty.…”

“…1324 to similarly increase, or decrease activity difficulty. Thirdly, within the VR environment, "everything can be precisely measured and replayed" (Song et al, 2012(Song et al, , pg. 1324 for analysis and repetitive training, which is essential for coaching and setting workout goals.…”