Development of a VR-based Astronomy Learning Environment using Intuitive Manipulation and Switching of the View corresponding to User's Body Movement

概要

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We will use photos or figures to learn annual motion of constellation in astronomy, e.g. a celestial photo looked up from a site on the earth or a figure looked over the solar system from outside. In this research we propose a VR-based astronomy learning support system which allows a student to switch two viewpoints i.e. lookup view and overlook view, and also to interact with the learning environment through bodily movement. The proposed system consists of two view control functions. One is a function which changes view direction from the former viewpoint by head movement. The other is a function which changes view direction from the latter one by intuitive hand movement such manipulations as the revolution and rotation of the earth. A student can switch these viewpoints and set any day and time and then observe the celestial body freely. Although students need a little experience to use the proposed system, it makes intuitive interaction with the environment possible and experimental results suggest a possibility that students can understand the learning object easily.