FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to skill development. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to a system for training a user to gain skills required for bending of a rebar. More particularly, relates to a system based on virtual reality for providing an advanced training to the user regarding the skills required for the rebar bending.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Rebar bending is referred to as bending of rods and beams to various needed shapes. Rebar bending has a variety of different scientific measurements associated with it, often referred to as the rebar bending schedule. This gives the manufacturers the proper bends and tensile strengths of the steel required to make certain shapes or other concrete constructions that are required. [0003] There are a number of different techniques used in rebar bending and a number of strict rules that must be followed. A bending schedule, in particular, is one set of rules that must be followed whenever the task is performed. The bending schedule is a list of specifications and reinforcement information that manufacturers must follow as they are constructing the various pieces the builder has requested from them in order to meet building codes. Each country can set its own bending schedules or specifications depending on the quality of materials available in that particular country.

[0004] Conventionally in order to become a bar bending professional, a person needs training in that specific field. The skill involved in rebar bending is quantified as understanding the amount of force and spatial trajectory to be maintained to bend the rebar by specific angles to produce a desired shape. Traditionally, bar bending has been taught by practicing with actual materials. There are automatic machines available commercially but these are not practical to bring to every construction site. The traditional training typically takes place in large workspaces and lead to consumption of generous quantities of materials cost. Although the person can get trained in that specific field practically but the person's evaluation is based on a basic final output oriented benchmark. Not only are the costs associated with the traditional method high, but also the traditional method does not teach the skill in an easy, fluid, intuitive manner that will allow a user to learn the skill quickly and safely. Therefore, there is a need for a more systematic approach for the practical hands-on training given to an inexperienced user along with a technique to measure the performance of the work done by the user.
[0005] So there came the era of vocational training for bar bending. Vocational training is a type of training given to any inexperienced people to develop skill based on their interest in to the particular area. Further, the vocational training can be based on manual and practical activities. Because of the materials involved in rebar bending learning requires constant repetition of the same task to master the skill. Furthermore, traditional instruction is not one-on-one but typically one instructor for four or more students, so the time taken to learn each type of bend is increased.

[0006] But the most important thing is that nearly all of the vocational training centers are in urban areas. So the people from remote villages can't get the opportunity to utilize this type of training. Hence, computerized vocational training can be the scalable, portable and affordable solution to provide training to the people due to the lack of trainers, materials, equipment and current technology for practical training in remote areas. Further computerized vocational training provides video tutorials, multimedia and interactive labs to attract the people in all areas to grasp the knowledge of the field quickly and easily. [0007] From above, it is clear that the training which takes place in traditional methods can be with training tools which require large workspaces and high force feedback with lots of consumables such as the steel bars. The inclusion of virtual reality in systems for training enhances the learning capability of the user. [0008] Therefore there is a need for a system based on virtual reality to provide an advanced training to the user regarding the skills required for the rebar bending. Further there is a need for a system that allows interaction between a physical electromechanical haptic device and a software application and thereby allowing the user to learn the skills required for rebar bending. Still there is a need for a system that provides various types of data interpretation of the user's performance regarding rebar bending.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below: [00010] A main object of the present invention is to provide a system based on virtual reality that are capable of providing an advanced training to a user regarding skills required for a virtual rebar bending.
4

[00011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows
interaction between a physical electromechanical haptic device and a visual
reality application and thereby allowing the user to learn the skills required for
rebar bending.
[00012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system that
provides various types of data interpretation of the user's performance.
[00013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that has
provisions for linear and angular movements to position a virtual rebar displayed
on a visual display unit.
[00014] Another object of the invention is to provide a system capable of
providing a haptic feedback.
[00015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of
delivering audio and visual cues to guide the user for learning rebar bending skills
appropriately.
[00016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows
the user to get trained regarding the skills required for bending the rebar in desired
shapes (various shapes including various polygons, circle).
[00017] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred
embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope
thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00018] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a virtual reality based system for training a user to gain skills required for bending a rebar. According to an embodiment, the system comprises of an electromechanical haptic device, an electronic control unit, a visual display unit and a computer unit. According to an embodiment, the visual display unit is configured for allowing the user to provide input parameters regarding the rebar required for bending. The input parameter includes shape of the rebar, material type of the rebar and dimensional properties of the rebar. The visual display unit is further configured for displaying a virtual rebar and simulations of the virtual rebar bending. [00019] According to an embodiment, the electromechanical haptic device includes at least a lever, at least an end effector, at least an actuator, at least a force sensor, at least a lever vertical sensor and at least a lever horizontal sensor. According to an embodiment, the lever is configured for applying a force by the user. According to an embodiment, wherein the force sensor configured to measure the applied force. According to an embodiment, the lever vertical sensor is configured for detecting vertical movement of the lever and the lever horizontal sensor is configured for detecting horizontal movement of the lever. [00020] According to an embodiment, the computer unit includes a software application. According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to receive the measured force and communicate the measured force to the software application. According to an embodiment, the software application is configured to compute an actual force required for bending the rebar based on the input parameters received from the visual display unit. The software application is further configured for simulating the bending of the virtual rebar when the

measured force and the actual force computed by the software application are equal and thereby visually displaying in the visual display unit and enabling the user to learn the rebar bending skills.
[00021] The software application is further configured to send the actual force value to the electronic control unit when the measured force and the actual force computed by the software application are equal. The electronic control unit is further configured to drive the actuator based on the actual force received. According to an embodiment, the actuator is a magnetic haptic actuator. The actuator is configured to provide a haptic feedback by applying a force opposite to the direction of force acting to rotate the end effector. The bending of the virtual rebar and the rotation of the end effector occurs simultaneously; and wherein the angle of bending of the virtual rebar is same as the angle of rotation of the end effector.
[00022] According to an embodiment, the software application includes at least a virtual reality application, at least a learning management system, at least an instruction module and communication drivers. According to an embodiment, the virtual reality application runs in the visual display unit and thereby enables displaying of the simulation of the virtual rebar bending. According to an embodiment, the instruction module is configured to provide audio instructions, visual cues and textual instructions regarding the bending of the virtual rebar. According to an embodiment, the learning management system is configured for storing user's input parameters; and further configured for generating reports on learning progress of the user and providing expert performance comparison through data representation of the performance of the user.

[00023] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00024] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying
figures. In the figures the use of the same reference numbers in different figures
indicates similar or identical items.
[00025] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of a system for training a user regarding
skills required for rebar bending, according to an embodiment herein;
[00026] Fig. 2 illustrates a back side view of the system for training a user
regarding skills required for rebar bending, according to an embodiment herein;
[00027] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an internal assembly of a bottom
section and a central section of the system, according to an embodiment herein;
[00028] Fig. 4 illustrates an internal assembly of the electronic control unit of the
system, according to an embodiment herein;
[00029] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a top section of the system,
according to an embodiment herein;

[00030] Fig. 6 illustrates a functionality block diagram showing of a learning management system of a software application, according to an embodiment herein; and
[00031] Fig. 7 illustrates the software application of the system and a communication pathway between components of the software application, according to an embodiment herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [00032] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00033] As mentioned above, there is a need for a system based on virtual reality to provide an advanced training to the user regarding the skills required for the rebar bending. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a system that allows interaction between a physical electromechanical haptic device and a software application and thereby allowing the user to learn the skills required for rebar bending. The system that provides various types of data interpretation of the user's performance regarding rebar bending. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig.l through Fig. 7, where similar reference characters

denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[00034] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of a system 100 for training a user regarding skills required for rebar bending, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The virtual reality based system for training a user to gain skills required for bending a rebar, wherein the system 100 comprises of an electromechanical haptic device, an electronic control unit, a visual display unit 105 and a computer unit. According to an embodiment, the computer unit is placed in a bottom section 101 of the system 100. According to an embodiment, a central section 102 to a top section 104 of the system 100 constitutes the electromechanical haptic device. According to an embodiment, the electromechanical haptic device includes at least a lever 107 and at least an end effector 106.
[00035] Fig. 2 illustrates a back side view 200 of the system 100 for training a user regarding skills required for rebar bending, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit 201 is placed back side of the system 100. According to an embodiment, a power on-off button for visual display unit 202 and a power on-off button for the computer unit 203 is placed on the backside of the system 100. [00036] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view 300 of an internal assembly of the bottom section 101 and the central section 102 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electromechanical haptic device further includes at least a rotary position sensor 302, at least a frame 303, at least a base frame 304, at least an actuator 305, at least a central transmission shaft 306, a top frame 307, rotary limit switches and rotary limiting block 308, a spring loaded

cartridge 309, at least a top assembly base plate, at least a rotary bearing, at least a force sensor, at least a rotary hub, at least a top assembly top plate, at least a lever vertical sensor, at least a lever horizontal sensor, at least a lever sliding block, at least end effector sliding block, at least a linear position sensor, at least a guide rail, at least a limit switch, at least a guide rail frame and at least a connection bearing block. According to an embodiment, the frame 303 is configured for providing support to the electromechanical haptic device.
[00037] According to an embodiment, the base frame 304 is configured for providing a base support for the actuator. According to an embodiment, the actuator 305 is a magnetic haptic actuator. According to an embodiment, the central transmission shaft 306 is configured for attaching the actuator 305 and the rotary position sensor 302 with the top plate assembly of the electromagnetic haptic device. According to an embodiment, the top frame 307 is configured for providing support to the rotary limit switches and rotary limiting block 308. According to an embodiment, the spring loaded cartridge 309 is configured for simulating the spring back action of the end effector on release of rotary action. [00038] The system 100 comprises of an electromechanical haptic device, an electronic control unit, a visual display unit 105 and a computer unit. According to an embodiment, the visual display unit 105 is configured for allowing the user to provide input parameters regarding the rebar required for bending. The input parameter includes but not limited to shape of the rebar, material type of the rebar and dimensional properties of the rebar. The visual display 105 unit is further configured for displaying a virtual rebar and simulations of the virtual rebar bending. According to an embodiment, the lever 107 is configured for applying a force by the user. According to an embodiment, the force sensor is configured to

measure the applied force. The computer unit 301 includes a software application. The electronic control unit 201 is configured to receive the measured force and communicate the measured force to the software application. [00039] According to an embodiment, the software application is configured to compute an actual force required for bending the rebar based on the input parameters received from the visual display unit 105. The software application is further configured for simulating the bending of the virtual rebar when the measured force and the actual force computed by the software application are equal and thereby visually displaying in the visual display unit 105 and enabling the user to learn the rebar bending skills.
[00040] The software application is further configured to send the actual force value to the electronic control unit 201 when the measured force and the actual force computed by the software application are equal. The electronic control unit 201 is further configured to drive the actuator 305 based on the actual force received, wherein the actuator is a magnetic haptic actuator. The actuator 305 is configured to provide force in direction opposing direction of rotation of the end effector 106 for providing the haptic feedback. The bending of the virtual rebar and the rotation of the end effector 106 occurs simultaneously; and wherein an angle of bending of the virtual rebar is same as an angle of rotation of the end effector 106. The end effector is a substitute for real rebar. Initially the end effector 106 and the virtual bar are located at zero bend angle (they are straight). When the desired angle of the virtual rebar is achieved as displayed in the visual display unit 105, the user stops applying force. This activity is continued by the user for learning skills regarding multiple bending of the rebar in desired shape (square, circle, rectangle etc).

[00041] Fig. 4 illustrates an internal assembly 400 of the electronic control unit 201 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic control unit 201 includes an actuator control unit 401, a wire connecting block 402, a programmable logic controller 403, a power supply unit 404 and a sensor signal amplifier unit 405. The electronic control unit 201 drive the actuator 305 based on the actual force received and the actuator control unit is configured for controlling the actuator through the electronic control unit. [00042] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view 500 of a top section 104 of the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top section 104 of the system 100 shows top assembly of the electromechanical haptic device. The rotary bearing 502, force sensor 503 and the rotary hub 504 are placed between the top assembly top plate 505 and top assembly base plate 501. According to an embodiment, the lever vertical sensor 506 is configured for detecting vertical movement of the lever and the lever horizontal sensor 507 is configured for detecting horizontal movement of the lever. According to an embodiment, the lever sliding block 508 is configured for providing or facilitating the linear movement of the lever 107. According to an embodiment, the connection bearing block 510 is configured for providing a connection between the end effector 106 and the linear position sensor 514. According to an embodiment, the guide rail frame 512 is provided for acting as a support frame for the guide rail 511 and the linear position sensor 514. According to an embodiment, the limit switch 513 is provided for sensing home position.
[00043] Fig. 6 illustrates a functionality block diagram 600 showing of a learning management system of a software application, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The software application includes at least a virtual reality

application, at least a learning management system, at least an instruction module and communication drivers. According to an embodiment, the learning management system includes trainee module and trainer module. The learning management system is configured for storing user's input parameters; and further configured for generating reports on learning progress of the user and providing expert performance comparison through data representation of the performance of the user. The data representation of the performance of the user includes for example spatial representation, temporal representation or historical representation.
[00044] Fig. 7 illustrates the software application of the system 100 and a communication pathway between components of the software application, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The software application further includes a Programmable logic controller (PLC), a server application, a client interface/OPC and a Unity 3D engine.
[00045] The server application is provided to interface with PLC and retrieve the input data. Further, the server application can plugs into the client interface and can pass the input data on to the unity 3D game engine, wherein the Unity3D engine is a commercial game engine that provides features for developing virtual reality environments and games.
[00046] The virtual reality application runs in the visual display unit 105 and thereby enables displaying of the simulation of the virtual rebar bending. The virtual learning environment can include GUI, bar deformation graphics, virtual workshop and user login. The GUI is used to support user interaction with the simulator to allow the user to choose between exercises, navigate the virtual environment and other miscellaneous interactions. The bar deformation graphics

is a module which can have algorithms to procedurally create different bars and
have them bend accordingly. The virtual workshop can contain contains all the 3D
models loaded into the environment like the table, workshop, lever, pins and so
on. The user login is provided for the users to logon to the system.
[00047] In an embodiment, the instruction module configured to provide audio
instructions, visual cues and textual instructions regarding the bending of the
virtual rebar. The instruction module is further configured to teach the users about
the bar bending through different exercises, and can provide step-by-step tutoring
for each exercise and various cues to help the user to learn. The audio instructions
are played back to the users as they progress through training, wherein the visual
cues can give feedback to the user on tool operation, wherein the textual
instructions in corresponding to the audio can be shown through the training
process and videos can be shown at the beginning of each exercise explaining the
correct procedure to be followed and the tips for avoiding mistakes.
[00048] A main advantage of the present invention is that the system is based on
virtual reality that are capable of providing an advanced training to a user
regarding skills required for a virtual rebar bending.
[00049] Another advantage of the present invention is that the system allows
interaction between a physical electromechanical haptic device and a visual
reality application and thereby allowing the user to learn the skills required for
rebar bending.
[00050] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the system
provides various types of data interpretation of the user's performance.

[00051] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the system has
provisions for linear and angular movements to position a virtual rebar displayed
on a visual display unit.
[00052] Another advantage of the invention is that the system is capable of
providing a haptic feedback.
[00053] Another advantage of the present invention is that the system is capable
of delivering audio and visual cues to guide the user for learning rebar bending
skills appropriately.
[00054] Another advantage of the present invention is that the system allows the
user to get trained regarding the skills required for bending the rebar in desired
shapes (square, circle, rectangle etc.).
[00055] Another advantage of the present invention is the reduction in cost of
course delivery through saving material consumption and instructor time.
[00056] Another advantage of the present invention is that the system provides
consistent and immediate feedback for trainee performance that leads to improved
learning and skill retention rate.
[00057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully
reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such
specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore,
such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended
within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to
be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments
herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the
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art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We claim:
1. A virtual reality based system 100 for training a user to gain skills required for bending a rebar; wherein the system 100 comprising of: an electromechanical haptic device, an electronic control unit 201, a visual display unit 105 and a computer unit 301;
wherein the visual display unit 105 configured for allowing the user to provide input parameters regarding the rebar required for bending ; wherein the visual display 105 unit further configured for displaying a virtual rebar and simulations of the virtual rebar bending; wherein the electromechanical haptic device includes at least a lever 107, at least an end effector 106, at least a actuator 305 and at least a force sensor 503;
wherein the lever 107 configured for applying a force by the user; wherein the force sensor 503 configured to measure the applied force; wherein the computer unit 301 includes a software application; wherein the electronic control unit 201 configured to receive the measured force and communicate the measured force to the software application; wherein the software application configured to compute an actual force required for bending the rebar based on the input parameters received from the visual display unit 105; and
wherein the software application further configured for simulating the bending of the virtual rebar when the measured force and the actual force computed by the software application are equal and thereby visually displaying in the visual display unit 105 and enabling the user to learn the rebar bending skills.

2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the software application
further configured to send the actual force value to the electronic control
unit 201 when the measured force and the actual force computed by the
software application are equal; and
wherein the electronic control unit 201 further configured to drive the actuator 305 based on the actual force received, wherein the actuator is a magnetic haptic actuator.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the actuator 305 configured to apply force in opposite direction of rotation of the end effector 106 for providing the haptic feedback.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bending of the virtual rebar and the rotation of the end effector 106 occurs simultaneously; and wherein an angle of bending of the virtual rebar is same as an angle of rotation of the end effector 106.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input parameters includes shape of the rebar, material type of the rebar and dimensional properties of the rebar.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromechanical haptic device further includes at least a lever vertical sensor 506 configured for detecting vertical movement of the lever and at least a lever horizontal sensor 507 configured for detecting horizontal movement of the lever.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the software application includes at least a virtual reality application, at least a learning management system, at least an instruction module and communication drivers.

8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the virtual reality application run in the visual display unit 105 and thereby enables displaying of the simulation of the virtual rebar bending.
9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the instruction module configured to provide audio instructions, visual cues and textual instructions regarding the bending of the virtual rebar.
10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the learning management system configured for storing user's input parameters; and further configured for generating reports on learning progress of the user and providing expert performance comparison through data representation of the performance of the user.