E-Learning Remote Laboratory Station for Computer Aided Design

E-Learning solutions for Computer Aided Design (CAD) require high quality graphics for positive impact and high satisfaction. Software tools used for hands-on CAD laboratory exercises depend on dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to deal with complex graphics processing needed to visualize virtual models in real-time. It is challenging to offer the same level of experience to remote users as they usually cannot afford laboratory-level hardware with dedicated GPU nor such hardware can be provided to them as part of their e-Learning experience. In this paper, grouping of average CAD laboratory workstations in pairs is proposed in order to create remote stations capable of performing required CAD graphics processing for remote users while streaming it over the network for a near real-time experience. Remote station captures video and utilizes hardware HEVC encoding, as common capability of high-end dedicated GPUs, to perform low bitrate video streaming with sub-second latency. The remote station concept enables cost-effective extension of average conventional CAD laboratory to an e-Learning remote laboratory for up to 50% additional remote users in respect to the total number of the laboratory workstations.