[SML] Anyone use VR in the (technical theatre) classroom?

[Tanner]

This is an interesting topic! I first heard it being discussed at COFES
about 10 years ago, long before consumer VR was a possibility.

In the construction world we've been seeing a steady increase in
requirements for 3D BIM integration during the design and engineering
phases. This started with only one or two trades (often structural and
mechanical), but it has expanded to several others. When done correctly, the
benefits are tremendous as far as collision avoidance, finding scope gaps,
and coordination between trades. Being able to do conduct a site visit
digitally will save untold sums. However, it also has the draw back (like
anything else) of "garbage in/garbage out" if not set up accurately and it
can sometimes be over-relied on despite its flaws. A number of architects
I've spoken with dislike it for that reason. 

I know of one other manufacturer who has successfully used VR to mock up and
demo design/build work for clients. As the technology for physics
simulation, advanced rendering, etc picks up there is a ton of potential for
VR's use as a prototyping and design tool. The problem now is how much
computing horsepower is required - and it's not cheap. 

I agree that industrial training will be one of its biggest growth sectors
in the coming years. Imagine a surgeon being able to practice all manners of
complications that could occur during an operation - the same as a pilot
does now in a simulator. Cool stuff!


Tanner Brants
PM, PDM

Protech Theatrical
3431 N. Bruce Street
N. Las Vegas, NV
P: 702-639-0290
F: 702-639-0294
tanner at protechlv.com
www.protechlv.com







-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Jon
Ares via Stagecraft
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 7:23 AM
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Jon Ares <jonares at arescreative.com>
Subject: Re: [SML] Anyone use VR in the (technical theatre) classroom?

On Mon, Mar 20, 2017 at 11:34 PM, Joe D via Stagecraft
<stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> As for building stuff, I really doubt the benefit of a VR headset.  A set
can be virtualized, but since an audience member is seated and viewing the
set from only 1 position, there is not a significant benefit to bringing
that into the VR world. A 2D monitor is even better than a VR headset, since
it can be higher resolution and provide a wider display than a VR headset.
Also, the user interface of a CAD system just does not work well in a 3D VR
headset. People have been playing with some ideas to change that for many
years.  But it is far from being viable yet.

I spent a lot of time yesterday painting, "building," and even "sculpting" a
costume on a dress dummy (a la that demo I linked to in my previous post) -
it was an amazing experience. The ability to basically do 3D cad, life-size,
and walk around my lines, snap and drag from one polyline to another - so
cool.  Precision of cad?  Not so much... but for these experiences I
envision for the students, it's about utilizing space and scale, not
creating something that is going to be built in reality, or experienced by
an audience.  But it's a weird experience in the Virtual world - I'd find
myself 'bumping' into my own weird sculptures, and apologizing aloud.  I
plan to import some assets into the software so we can arrange furniture and
props, as well...

There's a lot of VR being used in vocational training (speaking of
commercial refrigeration) - I haven't visited myself, but there's at least
one college in my area that has a very sophisticated automotive repair
program that uses VR in training engine rebuilding, etc....

Just another tool in the box...
--
Jon Ares
www.arescreative.com
http://backstagethreads.com

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