Project ViSUS PRO

Participant Study

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In a virtual environment, a scenario is recreated that simulates an oncoming vehicle with low beam headlights. Using a VR headset, participants can experience the virtual test scene firsthand. In addition to a survey on the subjective perception of the lighting situation, eye-tracking data is collected to support the evaluation.

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which virtual technologies can be used to make valid assessments of lighting systems. The results will be compared to those of a previously conducted real-world study.

By transferring the test setup to a virtual environment, the potential of virtual technologies is to be harnessed in order to conserve natural resources—thus minimizing the number of physical prototypes, shortening decision-making processes, and making development processes more sustainable.

If you are interested in participating, you can register now via the following link: Sign Up
or by contacting: michael.robra@h2.de

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News

ViSUS Campus Conference (VCC) 2025

On 8 October, the ViSUS Campus Conference 2025 brought together students, university staff and industry representatives at the university campus in Magdeburg to discuss current developments in automotive lighting technology, digital product development and sustainable mobility. The programme featured student project presentations, expert industry talks, guided laboratory tours, and extensive networking opportunities. With strong participation and high interest, the event was fully booked in advance. The conference successfully provided an inspiring platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and fresh perspectives.

A sincere thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions and inspiring discussions. We are grateful for the high level of engagement and look forward to projects in the future.

First In-House Departmental Showcase

On December 18, 2024, an internal showcase was held at the IWID department, attracting numerous interested participants. The event provided a platform for exciting insights into our current research project and the progress achieved so far.

In addition to an informative presentation and the experimental setup on display, numerous discussions took place, leading to new ideas and interesting connections. The showcase highlighted the diversity and innovative strength of the department and fostered sustainable exchange.

ViSUS PRO

The ViSUS PRO (virtual and sustainable product development) project aims to develop a teaching and learning environment, consisting of an xR lab with a specific test bench, which will enable students to acquire skills in sustainable product development through innovative learning formats.

The ViSUS PRO project aims to develop a teaching and learning environment, consisting of an xR lab with a specific test bench, which will enable students to acquire skills in sustainable product development through innovative learning formats.

The test bench allows products to be virtually tested and validated using xR technologies (VR and XR headsets, Rokoko Smart Suit, as well as powerful hardware and software components).

This approach helps save costly physical prototypes during the development process and conserves resources. It aligns with the principles of sustainability and enables resource-efficient product development. The use of xR technologies in education and teaching also promotes digital skills that future engineers will need for their career entry. A first practical example (development of health-promoting light functions) demonstrates the immediate application of these technologies in the curriculum.

Moreover, this innovative teaching and learning environment aims to spark interest in STEM subjects among future students.

Publications

Entwicklung und Validierung einer virtuellen Testumgebung zur Blendungsbewertung von Scheinwerfersysteme im Straßenverkehr zur nachhaltigen Produktenwicklung

By: Robra, M.; Honigmann, F.; Lamontain, B.

Published at: Tagung LICHT 2025, Oldenburg, Deutschland

Abstract: Die Einführung der LED-Lichttechnik im Automobilsektor ermöglicht es durch präzise Ansteuerung der LED, innovative Lichtkonzepte zu entwickeln, woraus sich vielfältige Anwendungsfälle für die Interieur- und Exterieur-Beleuchtung ergeben. Hinsichtlich Wirtschaftlichkeit und Ressourcenschonung ist es wichtig, Lichtkonzepte im Produktentwicklungsprozess frühzeitig abzusichern. Das Projekt ViSUS PRO (Virtual and SUStainable PROduct development) der Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal, welches durch die Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre (StIL) gefördert wird, verfolgt den Ansatz, die Potentiale von Mixed-Reality Technologien zu nutzen, um qualitativ hochwertige virtuelle Umgebungen lichttechnisch korrekt darzustellen und als Untersuchungsumgebung zu nutzen. Mit dem Fokus auf Human Centric Lighting sollen insbesondere gesundheitsfördernde Aspekte von Licht untersucht werden. Als initialer Untersuchungsgegenstand für ViSUS PRO wurde das Thema Blendung definiert.

Zusammenfassend zeigt der Beitrag auf, welcher konzeptionelle und methodische Ansatz zur Validierung der virtuellen Umgebung hinsichtlich Blendung verfolgt wird. Zudem werden der entwickelte Prüfstand, dessen Status-quo und die bisher erzielten Ergebnisse präsentiert.

EyeTracking of XR-Headsets and its Potential to Access Glare Virtually

By: Robra, M.; Hoppen, H.; Tietzsch F.; Lamontain, B.

Published at: ISAL 2025, Darmstadt, Deutschland

Abstract: The introduction of LEDs in the automotive sector enables precise and innovativelighting concepts. For cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency, early validation in the development process is essential. The ViSUS PRO project at the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences uses mixed reality (XR) to realistically simulate lighting in high-quality virtual environments as research settings.

Focusing on human-centric lighting, the initial subject of study in the ViSUS PRO project is glare. The relevance of glare caused by headlight systems in road traffic is supported by a 2024 Europe-wide survey by ADAC, which found that over 90 percent of drivers feel dazzled, despite compliance with existing standards. To draw valid conclusions a real-world glare scenario is transferred into a virtual environment using the Unreal game engine by Epic Games. Light intensity distributions of real headlamps are used to recreate their light output in a virtual environment. Combined with a visual task and questions on subjective perception, eye-tracking is used in parallel.

The focus of this paper lies on the validation of the virtual environment and the analysis of eye-tracking data. The goal is to determine whether the virtual environment allows for a valid assessment of glare effects. Finally, the results achieved so far are presented.