Projects
We take pride in our projects and hold them to a high standard to provide quality research to all who utilize the lab. A few of our projects have lead to partnerships which have assisted in agricultural studies, psychological studies, and other departments around the Fort Hays State University Campus. While we continuously work to expand the lab within the university, one of our key aspects is to connect with others nationwide.
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The proliferation of cheap equipment and easily programmable systems makes the creation of simple robots a staple of STEM Learning. Tiger Cub is the name of the institute’s LEGO robot being combined with the Virtual Library project. A-Star is being built to serve as a library concierge that can escort a library patron directly to a specific room, service, or book on the shelf.
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Faculty in the Department of Agriculture need a way to help students visualize the processes involved in livestock production. This project employs virtual reality tools to articulate and visualize the reproductive and other bodily functions of cows. The software allows the user to select, highlight, and learn about each relevant part of bovine anatomy. The 3D model can be rotated, zoomed, or opened layer by layer.
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A flagship project for the institute is Tiger Range which not only produces interactive models of the FHSU campus, but also investigates the processes through which these models can be efficiently and cost-effectively built. The 3D model of campus will be useful for wayfinding systems, facilities, planning, recruitment and retention, and marketing the university.
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Faculty in the Department of Psychology are looking for a way to help students understand the true complexity of the human brain. It is nearly impossible to demonstrate each of the various parts and connections inside the brain with a 2D illustration or even a video. This project leverages 3D virtual reality tools and data from an actual MRI scan of a human brain to create a truly interactive platform for learning about each part of the brain.
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Using virtual reality and video game equipment, the Institute for New Media Studies has developed a fully immersive and highly accurate 3D model of Forsyth Library. The model is used to drive an exploration tool, scavenger hunt, and emergency evacuation drill. The system is even capable of providing Google Earth style walking directions in 3D virtual spaces directly to a book on the shelf.
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It is important to develop a brand by making it more engaging for audience members and stakeholders. At FHSU, our mascot is Victor E. Tiger. We wanted to make sure he could engage with students, faculty, and community members. The problem was how to bring him to life. Using 3D motion and audio capture, we have a developed a tool for creating customized videos that can put Victor anywhere. In the next phase of the project, new software and a synthetic voice will allow Victor to communicate programmatically without the time of recording a real person. The platform can then generate personalized videos, on demand, for any number of occasions. We are working to integrate this idea into student recruitment and retention, outreach for athletics, and more engaging communication with our community members.