Scale and Spatial Resolution Guidelines for the Design of Virtual Engineering Laboratories

In this paper we report on a pilot study conducted to identify tasks and understand scale and spatial resolution limits for the design of virtual engineering laboratories. The virtual environment is based on using the Oculus Rift SDK2 headset combined with the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) mounted on the headset. We first discuss a functional break-down structure to identify typical tasks conducted in a laboratory. From this functional breakdown basic gestures are identified to assist in virtual laboratory operations. Using this breakdown as a guide we developed two virtual environments. The first familiarizes the user with basic capabilities of the Rift and LMC. While the second environment was developed to measure scale and spatial effects of interfaces. This data will be used to guide the development of virtual laboratories environments for use in engineering degree programs and improve testing of these and other interfaces.