Combined wind speed and angle control in a virtual environment using a static observer

Abstract

Abstract-This paper develops a static observer for estimating wind speed in order to control wind speed and angle control at a user position in a submersive virtual environment. Addition of wind display evolves the Treadport Virtual environment into a highly immersive virtual environment called Treadport Active Wind Tunnel (TPAWT). Experiments on a scaled model of the TPAWT show that headwind flow stream diverges at the user. Pitot tube sensors placed at a particular region of converged flow in the scaled TPAWT provide measurements with lower noise.Open loop experiments on a scaled model of TPAWT show that there exists a relationship between speed measured at this region of converged flow and the wind speed at the user position. Using this relationship, the wind speed at the user can be estimated. We use this relation and combine previously used speed and angle controllers based upon the small gain theorem with a dynamic extension and conditional angular rate-switching control. Finally, we simultaneously control wind speed and headwind angle.

A Full Body Steerable Wind Display for a Locomotion Interface

“…Previous studies on scaled system showed promising results [6][7][8][9]. Key features of the full-scale system adapted from scaled system and the major difficulties and features that required modifications are stated below.…”

“…We first developed a quarter-scale two-dimensional model of the TPAWT to prototype the design approach [6][7][8][9], based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and control theory. Experimentation led to controller development for wind velocity at the user position and to understanding flow dynamics inside the TPAWT environment.…”

A new concept of perceptual fidelity to augment virtual urban environments with microclimatic ambiances

“…European COST Action TU0801 For their part, Kulkarni et al ( [13,14]) propose a system for wind simulation, "Treadport Active Wind Tunnel", based on computational fluid dynamics and able to simulate urban wind very precisely. This device also includes radiant panels to suggest heat.…”

Wind display device for locomotion interface in a virtual environment

“…In [12][13][14]20], the CFD based input-output maps are developed in terms of v TOT and v LR . Wind speed at the user is mapped based upon v TOT and wind angle is mapped in terms of v LR .…”

“…V act and θ act are the vent speed and valve angle measured by potentiometers and pitot probes. The required vent speed is determined from the output feedback controller [12][13][14]20]. Vent speed is regulated by PI control loops that regulate the valve angles.…”