It was billed as a virtual out of this world experience.
But in reality it was a room filled with blank screens and several people scratching their heads.
The teething problems proved to be inadvertently the most telling sign of just how new were the visual reality goggles and motion platform on display at Kirklees College.
Fortunately they made up only one part of the school’s first ever virtual reality and technology event, showcasing some of the intriguing, working inventions students can now use on a regular basis.
The goggle sets had been created by a company called Vizuality Studio and when working properly, as they had been doing in Los Angeles, plunge users into the heart of an interactive 360 degree space-style video game.
TAKE a look at virtual reality video below
The simulation is meant to work thanks to infrared motion cameras positioned on a frame around the space, which detect the users’ movement to allow them to explore a virtual space.
Phil Morris, co-founder of the technology, explained the reason behind making them.
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“So far we have been creating our own simulations but also working with programmers who are creating their own.
“We’ve created them because we want people to have fun but the platform and goggles could also be used to create simulations for a lot of different things, like engineering and therapy.”
Those attending the first day of the event, which included students and members of the public, did get to try out the other new technologies on offer, which included a pair of new Kirklees College 360 degree glasses.
Putting them on allowed me to watch a 3D film made by the college, which was enhanced by downloading an app onto a smart phone that was then slotted in front of set.
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“We’re now working on creating more 3D films that will focus on showing students how to use certain pieces of machinery available in the college without any of the associated risks”, said Lynn Steele, a college learning technologist.
One of the most unexpected experiences came from what looked like a simple set of black and white animal cards, laid out on a table.
They quickly came to life as multi-coloured, moving 3D objects, when looked at through a smart phone screen.
“We’ve downloaded an app called Animal 4D onto the phones, which allows us to see the animals on the cards interact with another image”, said Lynn.
“This works because a hidden code is contained in each card, so when the phone scans over it with the app it picks it up.
“The 3D images have been programmed by a team called Unity 3D, who have also created moving images of black holes and rocket launches.
“The cards are great for helping children to learn about objects, especially those that may be difficult for them to watch a video of.”
