The virtual reality information system for the ISN LPNU department tours with elements of full immersion as a platform for an open day

Abstract

Virtual reality is an important information technology that allows to achieve significant progress in underserved areas. Immersive multimedia, or virtual reality, is a software-simulated environment that simulates physical presence in the real or imagined world. Innovative applications such as high-tech intelligent systems that correlate with the information technologies of display, modelling, building and maintaining networks, artificial touch and computer graphics have made virtual reality a breakthrough in the computing world. Excursions and distance learning in virtual reality are one of the ways to simulate the presence in a city in which a person cannot be physically present at the moment. When viewing virtual tours or attending online classes using videos/photos, the user (applicant/student/learner/teacher) only sees a flat image and cannot interact with it. In this way, the effect that the user is present in that place is lost. Virtual reality with the effect of full immersion allows to eliminate these disadvantages almost completely, and to provide the opportunity to interact with objects located on the virtual stage with the help of real body movements. In addition, in a short period of time, with the help of virtual reality, the user can visit many places, literally without leaving home. This is impossible to do in real life, as certain places are located at a great distance from the user. The object of the study is the process of conducting an interactive excursion and distance learning on the basis of the Department of Information Systems and Networks of the Lviv Polytechnic National University in virtual reality. The subject of the study comprises means, methods of designing and developing the virtual reality information system of excursions and distance learning using virtual reality information technologies. The practical significance of the obtained results is the implemented information system for conducting interactive excursions and distance learning on the basis of the university department. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is an information system based on the use of virtual reality, which is intended for online visits to the premises of the university department with elements of full immersion, as a platform for career guidance of students or distance learning of students.