We delivered a bespoke software application for the Coventry University School of Health CAVE system, which consists of a 3-walled CAVE screen (7.2m x 6m), tracking system, stereo 3D capability and peripherals.
We worked closely with staff from the School of Health to design software which would extract maximum value from their CAVE hardware and deliver effective and meaningful training to the students.
Scenarios
A scenario editor allows creation of endless bespoke training scenarios which can be ran in the CAVE.
Custom scenarios consist of a base environment, with objects, SFX, animated events and patient assessments positioned within the environment to create a unique learning experience. Events can also be triggered during the scenario for an additional layer of immersion. Custom scenarios are saved to a library for use in future training sessions.
Scenarios can be experienced in 3 modes:
- Single User – render is perspective corrected using a head tracker to give the best experience for a single user.
- Fixed – rendered from a fixed position to allow multiple users to enter the cave.
- Camera – render is perspective corrected using a camera tracker to give the best experience for remote viewers.
Assessments
The assessment editor allows staff to define a sequence of actions performed on an adult or baby manikin to create a patient assessment.
For each action you are able to define the type (auscultation, palpitation, manual handling), how long it must be performed for, and the feedback the user will receive (SFX, vibration, event trigger).
Tutors are able to configure any combination of actions and then save their custom assessment to the library for use within a Scenario.
Objects
The software allows users to select objects from the library of supplied 3D models, or import their own custom GLB model files.
A model import screen allows you to correct scale and offset of imported models as well as adding SFX.
You can also create compound objects by importing multiple GLBs or existing models from the base library.
3D Views
Objects from the library can be placed within the CAVE area to view in stereo 3D.
This unique viewing experience allows students to grab hold of models and pull them apart to examine them in more detail.
3D Views can be experienced in 2 modes:
- Single User Stereo – render is perspective corrected using a head tracker to give the best experience for a single user. User can manipulate the models using either hand trackers or flystick controller.
- Multi User Stereo- rendered from a fixed position to allow multiple users to view the stereo content form the mouth of the CAVE. Models can be manipulated by the teacher from the workstation.
Nick and Steven were a core part of the team that Coventry University worked closely with to develop unique, healthcare focused software for our immersive CAVE installation. Throughout the collaborative process, they listened carefully to help develop and refine a wide range of ideas into a powerful piece of software that now allows us to create virtual environments for scenarios, or view and examine digital anatomy models in 3D. Use of this software in the CAVE is now embedded in almost every undergraduate course within CU Health and Care and has been extremely well received by both staff and students alike.
Chris Ford-Lings
Senior Technician/Skills Instructor – Healthcare Simulation, Coventry University