At Hypermedia Laboratory, we research competence development simulators and develop pedagogical and technological solutions for these.

For the development of our simulated environments, we use adaptive hypermedia, intelligent tutoring systems, competency profiles, visualization and content management. Simulated environments are developed in cooperation with companies and educational and research institutes.

Projects:

• Curriculum and training planning development for technical drilling rig training
• Semantic modelling in production method development of intelligent and virtual machine laboratories (Semogen)
• Metsä Online
• Development of education in mobile machine hydraulics and automatic systems in technical universities, universities of applied sciences and vocational schools
• Simulator assisted education and curriculum development in drilling rig operations
• Intelligent and Virtual Learning Environment for the Mechanics of a Forestry Machine (MetViro)
• Simulator for Vehicle Training
• Development of Simulator Based Education for Drill Unit
• Development Project in Forest Machine Simulator Based Training (ProForSim)
• Simulators for Motorcyclists
• Simulator in Health Care

Curriculum and training planning development for technical drilling rig training

Duration: 2010-2011
Partners: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
Further information: Project Manager Pekka Ranta
Description: This project involves technical curriculum and training planning for drilling rig development.

Semantic modelling in production method development of intelligent and virtual machine laboratories (Semogen)

Duration: 2010-2011
Cooperation: Smart Simulators –research group, AEL, Etteplan Design Center Oy, Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy, Vertex Systems Oy
Funding: Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation and industrial partners
Further information: Project Manager Pekka Ranta

Description: The aim of the Semogen research project is to develop production methods for intelligent and virtual machine laboratories based on the semantic modelling. This research theme is interlinked with digital product processes and digital machine construction.

An intelligent and virtual machine laboratory includes dynamic real time simulation models, time management tools, machine system documentation, system visualization, measurement and diagnostic tools and pedagogically sound tutoring. These tools and features are implemented into the case portion of a drilling rig system. Virtual machine laboratory are utilized in training of R&D personnel, including engineers, machine system planners and service technicians and as a supportive tool for machine planning.

The project results (methods, models and pilot systems) support the development of the virtual machine laboratory and visualization and simulation methods for planning and learning environments of machine systems.

The International Journal of Semantic Computing defines Semantic Computing (SC) as “Computing with (machine processable) Descriptions of Content and Intentions.”. In this project, the rich source content of real machine documents is utilized in the semantic process, which is described by the research group. The Semogen project constructs a system pipeline that is dependent on source documents, which supports semiautomatic generation and enrichment of virtual laboratories.

The modelling and simulation of machine systems are based on the rich hydraulic and electrical schemas, CAD–systems and documents, CAN–system description, product data management systems and component information. This project describes semantic processes and methods. The document supports specification of modelling and simulation methods, information processing system, planning guidelines, interoperability and the required tools. The virtual pilot system (prototype) of the machine system is carried out by the research group. Commercialization and transferability of innovation for the Finnish machine construction are taken into account.

The Smart Simulators research group is in charge of the research and development operations. The total budget is 330 000 €.

Metsä Online

Duration: 2008 - 2011
Type: ESR (European Social Fund), national
Partners: TAMK (Tampere University of Applied Sciences) and ELY Centre of Pirkanmaa (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment)
Web pages: http://metsaonline.projects.tamk.fi
Further information: Project Manager Pekka Ranta

Description: The first objective of this project is the development of a virtual learning environment for the teaching of wood supply, which can be used to improve the effectiveness and quality of forestry education and the attractiveness of the field in the universities and the upper secondary vocational forestry schools. The learning environment can also be used in supplementary education of employees of machine entrepreneurs and in the field of forestry.

The second objective is to provide companies and actors involved in the wood supply chain an opportunity to develop their know-how of the operation of the whole wood supply chain, to identify their own roles as part of the wood supply chain and to aid in identification of targets for the development of their own operation with the help of this learning environment.

The third objective is to diversify tool selection to allow wood supply education to respond to the educational challenges of the field (the intense development of the technology of wood supply and harvesting).

Hypermedia Laboratory is responsible for the technical development of the learning environment, in cooperation with Department of Intelligent Hydraulics and Automation (TUT/IHA).

Development of education in mobile machine hydraulics and automatic systems in technical universities, universities of applied sciences and vocational schools

Duration: 2009 - 2010
Cooperation: Department of Intelligent Hydraulics and Automation
Further information: Project Manager Pekka Ranta

Description: The aim of this project is to develop educational programs for mobile machine hydraulics and automatic systems education in technical universities, universities of applied sciences and vocational schools. This development is based on the utilization of a virtual machine laboratory, specifically a forestry machine (harvester) system.

The virtual machine laboratory includes dynamic real time simulation models, time management tools, machine system documentation, interactive hydraulic and electric schema visualizations, 3D-views to a real machine system, and measurement and diagnostic tools.

Simulator assisted education and curriculum development in drilling rig operations

Duration: 2005-2009
Cooperation: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy, Creanex Oy and North Karelia Adult Education, Outokumpu.
Further information: Project Manager Pekka Ranta

Description: Drilling rig simulator and training concepts are developed by Hypermedia Laboratory with Sandvik Mining and Construction and Creanex companies.

Intelligent and Virtual Learning Environment for the Mechanics of a Forestry Machine (MetViro)

Duration: 2006 - 2009
Type: National
Partners: North Karelia Technical College Valtimo (coordinator)
Sponsors: National Board of Education, Ministry of Education, elTRIO-network, Forest Machine schools and manufacturers
Web pages: http://matriisi.ee.tut.fi/metviro
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: The main aim of this project is to develop an intelligent virtual learning environment for technical college education of the Mechanics of Forestry Machines, especially to develop quality, impressiveness and attractiveness of the branch. Hypermedia Laboratory is responsible for development of the learning environment and intelligent tutoring of the environment and also for utilisation of an experienced mechanic’s operations model.

Simulator for Vehicle Training

Duration: 2005
Type: National
Partners: -
Sponsors: -
Web pages: -
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: The aim of the project is to research, if simulation training has injurious effects to human sensorium. The results will be used in vehicle education.

Development of Simulator-Based Education for Drill Unit

Duration: from 2005
Type: National
Partners: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy, Creanex Oy and North Karelia Technical College Outokumpu
Sponsors: -
Web pages: -
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: The aim of the project is to develop simulator for drill unit and education solutions for it.

Simulators for Motorcyclists

Duration: -
Type: International
Partners: FEMA and IRT-project
Sponsors: -
Web pages: -
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: Hypermedia Laboratory defines how to implement both real-life and games-based simulator learning environments for Motorcyclists. The aim is to define how different simulation environments can be developed to be used on basic computers and/or on game consoles. The target group will be beginner motorcyclists who learn how to avoid hazards, notice risks and have the right behaviour. They will learn different factors that are related to dynamic riding.

Development Project in Forest Machine Simulator-Based Training (ProForSim)

Duration: 2002-2004
Type: international
Partners: FEMA and IRT-project
Sponsors: -
Web pages: http://simumedia.pkky.fi
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: In the ProForSim project, simulator-based studying and teaching are developed and the tacit knowledge of experienced harvester drivers is made explicit. The aim of the project is to develop a curriculum and a learning environment for forest machine simulator-based study.

Simulator in Health Care

Duration: 1997
Type: national
Partners:
Sponsors: National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, Stakes
Web pages: -
Further information: Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta

Description: -