Experience in developing VR simulators in 2021 based on HTC Vive. Part 2
Once again, I welcome Habr readers. I continue to share my experience in the process of creating VR simulators developed by our team this year.
The first part
A few days ago, our team returned from Vladivostok. Successfully delivered to the customer and passed all tests virtual welding simulator.
Unity was chosen as the base. As a VR – HTC Vive Cosmos Elite + 3 Trackers.
The tracker pins on the semi-automatic holder are connected to the start button.
Tasks set:
- study of the functionality and basic principles of operation on a welding machine
- training in practical rules of using welding equipment
- reproduces the process: manual arc welding
- Reproduces the process of: semi-automatic welding
- automatically generates statistical data on the result of performing exercises
The appearance of the equipment in VR
Hardware Component Requirements:
- swivel bracket for camera placement
- fasteners for electrode holder and burner
- mask mount
- rod for fixing the workpiece, height adjustable
- workpieces for welding
- rack
- electrode holder and burner
- mask with built-in 3D glasses
HTC VIVE Cosmos Elite as a “base”
An example of using the simulator in the “semi-automatic” welding mode. 
Manual “welding”
Required features:
- visualization of welding machine operation
- realistic simulation of welding sound in the virtual world
- simulation of welding machine operation
- coordination of the virtual scene in real time with the effects of the trainee on the controls
- display on the monitor screen of the current parameters of the simulated welding process
- statistical processing of results
- studying a virtual welding seam after completing the exercise from different angles and different distances
- the ability to choose exercises from a set
- the ability to choose a workpiece for welding
- display of the welding process in three-dimensional space using: virtual reality glasses, computer monitor
- change the current strength for manual welding
- change the wire feed speed for semi-automatic welding
- get basic motor skills of ignition and maintenance of the welding arc
- location simulating a welding room
- simulation mode of the flow rate and electrode change in manual arc welding mode
- formation of statistics on the results of exercises
List of training exercises for practicing the accuracy of movements
- Exercise #1. Welding seam surfacing in the form of two horizontal lines
- Exercise #2. Welding seam surfacing in the form of five horizontal lines
- Exercise #3. Welding seam surfacing in the form of two vertical lines
- Exercise No. 4. Welding seam surfacing in the form of five vertical lines
- Exercise #5. Welding seam surfacing in the form of a square
- Exercise No. 6. Welding seam surfacing in the form of two nested squares
- Exercise No. 7. Welding seam surfacing in the form of a diamond
- Exercise No. 8. Welding seam surfacing in the form of two nested diamonds
- Exercise No. 9. Welding seam surfacing in the form of a circle
- Exercise No. 10. Welding seam surfacing in the form of two nested circles
- Exercise No. 11. Welding seam surfacing in the form of a sinusoidal line
A list of training tasks for practicing the skills of applying a welding seam on workpieces located in different planes
- Task No. 1. Welding in the lower butt position
- Task No.2. Welding in the lower corner position
- Task number 3. Welding in the vertical butt position
- Task number 4. Welding in the ceiling angular position
- Task number 5. Welding of butt joints on a plate in a vertical angular position
- Task number 6. Welding in a vertical angular position, with bottom-up guidance
- Task number 7. Welding in the ceiling butt position
