Quick Buzz Feed
As virtual reality technology continues to grow, two Kennesaw State University first-year students are working to make it safer. At the center of their work is an artificial intelligence system that can predict and prevent dangerous falls. Through the Office of Research’s First-Year Scholars Program, computer science major Joshua Hentz of Chickamauga, Georgia, and software engineering major Caleb Tran of Suwanee, Georgia, are gaining early hands-on research experience through the Fallguard project in Kennesaw State’s College of Computing and Software Engineering.
Kennesaw State University first-year students Joshua Hentz (computer science) and Caleb Tran (software engineering) are pioneering an artificial intelligence system called Fallguard to enhance safety for virtual reality (VR) users. Operating within the Office of Research’s First-Year Scholars Program and Kennesaw State’s College of Computing and Software Engineering, their project aims to predict and prevent dangerous falls, a significant challenge as VR technology becomes more prevalent. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor M. Rasel Mahmud, the students are gaining invaluable early hands-on research experience, applying advanced computing principles to create practical safety solutions in immersive digital environments. Their work addresses the critical need for robust safety mechanisms as VR extends into various applications, ensuring users can engage with virtual worlds more securely.
Fallguard is an innovative system designed to combat the risk of falls in virtual reality by intelligently monitoring and responding to user movements. It integrates advanced motion sensors with sophisticated artificial intelligence and 3D virtual modeling. The system continuously tracks a user's stability and movement patterns while they are immersed in a VR environment. By analyzing real-time data and comparing it against trained models of stable and unstable motion, Fallguard can accurately identify when a user is nearing a loss of balance. Upon detecting a critical threshold, the system provides immediate feedback through alerts, such as warning sounds or on-screen prompts, to help the user self-correct and regain stability before a fall occurs. Future enhancements envision integrating emergency notifications for situations where a user might become unresponsive, further bolstering safety protocols within VR.
As virtual reality technology rapidly expands its footprint across diverse sectors including gaming, fitness, and rehabilitation, the imperative for robust safety mechanisms like Fallguard becomes increasingly evident. While VR offers unparalleled immersive experiences that significantly enhance user engagement, it also inherently presents challenges to a user's natural balance and spatial awareness. The disorienting effect of being visually immersed in a virtual world while physically present in another can compromise proprioception, making users more susceptible to falls. Joshua Hentz likens this phenomenon to trying to balance on one leg with closed eyes, highlighting how VR "messes with your perception." Fallguard directly addresses this growing safety concern, ensuring that as VR applications become more commonplace and sophisticated, user well-being remains a top priority, enabling wider adoption and more confident engagement with virtual environments.
The Fallguard project provides an exceptional opportunity for first-year students Joshua Hentz and Caleb Tran to engage in significant research early in their academic careers. Working closely with faculty and doctoral researchers, they are building a strong foundational understanding in computing and software engineering. Their responsibilities encompass a range of essential research activities, including thorough reviews of scientific literature, meticulous analysis of complex datasets, and hands-on development using industry-standard tools and programming languages such as Unity, C#, and Python. This practical, experiential learning has been transformative for both students. Caleb Tran noted his surprise and gratitude for the early research opportunity, which significantly expanded his knowledge of AI and machine learning applications. Similarly, Joshua Hentz gained valuable insight into the practical realities of a career in technology, giving him a clearer vision for his future professional path. This hands-on involvement is instrumental in developing their technical skills and fostering confidence.
Interim Dean Yiming Ji of Kennesaw State's College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE) emphasized that the groundbreaking work undertaken by Joshua Hentz and Caleb Tran on the Fallguard project epitomizes the college's unwavering commitment to experiential learning. Dean Ji lauded the students' initiative in pursuing such advanced research so early in their academic journeys, highlighting that this proactive engagement is precisely what the college aims to cultivate in its students. He further articulated that experiential learning, as demonstrated by the Fallguard project, is crucial for developing a comprehensive skillset, encompassing both vital technical proficiencies and enhanced self-confidence. This approach effectively prepares students to make substantial and meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of technology upon graduation, positioning them as future innovators and leaders in the field.