The use of stereo video as a training media in the mining industry

The objective of this research was to investigate the use of stereo video as a component of multimedia training materials in contexts where three-dimensional cues are particularly important. The particular application area investigated was the splicing of conveyor belts in the mining industry. The research has practical significance because it is a technique that has wide applicability in areas where training costs are high or involve dangerous activities.

The work is built upon a background of telepresence and virtual reality where simulated training environments are helping to reduce the costs and physical risks associated with training. Pairs of video clips were produced: each pair consisting of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional clip. The three dimensional video was captured on a pair of video cameras arranged in such a way as to capture the binocular disparity needed for a three-dimensional depth cue. The two videos were then manipulated into a single file that could be played back on a PC and viewed by a person wearing VREX shutterglasses.

A group of volunteers undertook a trial of the application to determine if they could see differences between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional videos and whether they thought it made a positive difference to the learning process. Hardware limitations reduced the viewing size of the video on the screen, and reduced the frame rate at which the video could be replayed.

A number of hardware limitations were discovered which should be able to be overcome with increasing performance in processor and bus speeds. The technique shows promise for training in the mining industry.