Centralized Database for Immersive Virtual Environment Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating immersive virtual environments (IVEs) for simulation-based learning is time-consuming and expensive due to the complexity of gathering and integrating data from various tools and the technical expertise required for their production.
Innovation Solution
A suite of tools and architecture utilizing a centralized database to streamline IVE production by allowing multiple software applications to interface with it, reducing data duplication and simplifying the design process through a data-driven approach, including 'picker'-type selection menus populated directly from database data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple different tools are used to gather information and create simulation models for IVE production, then the accuracy and completeness of the simulation models improve, but the time and cost of production increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (3D modeling tool, simulation tool, instructional design tool) into a single integrated development environment that shares a common database. This merging eliminates the need to transfer data between separate applications, reducing production time while maintaining simulation model accuracy through consistent data management across all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated development environment provides multi-functionality by allowing users to perform 3D modeling, simulation model creation, and instructional design within a single application. This universal platform reduces the number of tools needed while maintaining the capability to create accurate simulation models through shared access to a centralized database.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tools are used by multiple users during IVE production, then the functionality and versatility of the production process improve, but the complexity of data integration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tools into a single integrated application that provides all necessary production functions. This consolidation eliminates the complexity of integrating data between separate applications while maintaining versatility through dedicated modules for 3D modeling, simulation, and instructional design within the unified environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized database serves as an intermediary that manages data exchange between different production functions. Instead of directly integrating complex data structures between multiple applications, the database acts as a mediator that standardizes data access and reduces integration complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools with advanced features are used for IVE creation, then the quality and realism of the virtual environment improve, but the technical expertise required to operate these tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and instructional design capabilities into a single user-friendly interface. This integration allows users to access sophisticated features without needing to master multiple separate tools, reducing the expertise barrier while maintaining high virtual environment quality through coordinated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated development environment provides universal access to advanced features through a single platform. Users can perform complex tasks like creating realistic simulation models and designing instructional content without needing specialized knowledge of multiple separate tools, as all capabilities are unified behind a consistent interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If data is stored in multiple separate tools during IVE production, then the specificity and customization of each tool improve, but data duplication and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized database acts as an intermediary that maintains data consistency across all production functions. Instead of storing data separately in multiple tools, the database provides a single source of truth that all features access, eliminating data duplication and ensuring consistency while allowing each tool to maintain its specialized functionality through targeted data access.
5Productivity
If a centralized database is used to store all production data, then data duplication is reduced and production efficiency improves, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the database functionality into the core of the integrated development environment, eliminating the need for separate database management systems for each tool. This consolidation improves productivity by providing unified data access while managing architectural complexity through integrated data management within the single application.
Data Source
AI summary
A suite of tools for creating an Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) comprises multiple software applications having multiple respective user interfaces that can each interface with a centralized database to design and develop immersive content for a game-based learning product in an IVE. According to some embodiments, this data-driven IVE production process may utilize tools having a “picker”-type selection in which selection menus are populated directly from database data, helping reduce data duplication, simplify tool design, and streamline the IVE production process.