Mathematical Concepts Visualization through Virtual Reality

The Virtual Reality Mathematical Concept Visualization project was developed by the newly formed Virtual Reality Cyber Team (VRCT), hosted by Air Force ROTC Detachment 730, and supported by the Pitt Cyber Accelerator Grants Program.

The project is intended to support the Detachment's tutoring program as an educational tool for STEM majors to view complex 3D models in 3D. Two-dimensional visualization tools, such as graphing calculators or even whiteboard drawings, are fine for 2D functions. Three-dimensional functions, however, are naturally made to be viewed in 3D space. The project consists of a Matlab application, custom built virtual reality capable controller, and virtual reality software and hardware.

The software the team created takes a Matlab visualization of a 3D equation, creates a 3D virtual reality object, and puts it into a virtual reality scene for the user to examine for learning purposes. The custom controller allows the user to manipulate the 3D objects to a very fine degree, in order to closely examine specific portions of the equation.

As a result of this project, the VRCT team will now be partnering with the Swanson School of Engineering in the 2019-2020 academic year to help the school add virtual reality projects and a new virtual reality makerspace work area for students to be able to develop their own applications. In addition to the project's use as an educational tool for STEM majors, the virtual reality makerspace has many other real-world applications, including military applications. 

The potential for mission planning in virtual reality is enormous. “On-site” planning in virtual reality has tremendous value for training programs, such as those at Detachment 730, and is already being considered for further exploitation.

To learn more, see this Pitt News article featuring VRCT and Air Force ROTC Detachment 730 and the video below.