Image based experiment scene builder for virtual educational experiments

Realism and simplicity of virtual experiment scene building can influence the usage of virtual educational experiment applications. This paper proposes an image based method of experiment scene building for Virtual Educational Experiments. Firstly, virtual educational experiment components are extracted from images of experiment instrument by using the interactive method of object extraction. Then, the corresponding logical model descriptions are attached to the extracted components. Finally, the components required in a specific experiment are inserted into the selected virtual experiment scene and are connected interactively. A routing algorithm based on equivalent connection line is designed to make the generated line connections between components clear and legible. A virtual experiment scene building system, named VE Scene builder, has been implemented and widely used. The feedbacks demonstrated that our system can rapidly generate realistic and legible virtual experiment scene.