Virtual reality simulator development for safe space design

作为开发安全空间设计虚拟现实模拟器的第一步，开发了迷宫中人体行为的VR应用系统。通过VR系统仿真与真实迷宫实验的对比，验证了VR系统再现人体行为的准确性，并分析了VR训练对人员疏散行为的影响。主要完成了以下几个方面的工作：(1)疏散行为VR应用系统的开发：开发了迷宫中人体行为的VR应用软件。利用计算机图形学对虚拟现实空间进行模拟。(2)迷宫中人体行为的VR实验：通过解决研究第一年遇到的迷宫照明、开门关门、墙壁、地板、天花板的真实感等问题，对VR应用系统进行了改进。(3)VR与迷宫真实实验的比较：我们检查了真实实验和VR模拟观察到的行为的一致性，以及VR培训的效果。疏散实验分三组进行，即a)仅使用真实迷宫进行实验，b)使用真实迷宫进行VR训练和实验，以及c)在看到迷宫截面后使用真实迷宫进行实验。通过对比真实迷宫实验和虚拟现实仿真的实验结果，研究了虚拟现实体验的准确性和效果。(4)探讨了面向安全空间设计的先进虚拟现实仿真系统：讨论了真实实验和虚拟现实仿真的结果，并指出了系统需要解决的问题。

As the first step of developing the virtual reality simulator for safe space design, the VR application system for human behavior in a maze is developed. By comparison of simulation using the VR system and experiments using an real maze, the accuracy of reappearance of human behavior by VR system is proven and the effects of VR training on evacuation behavior is analyzed. The followings are the steps accomplished during these two years.(1)Development of VR application system for evacuation behavior : We developed a VR application software for human behavior in a maze. In the system, virtual reality space is simulated by using computer graphics.(2)VR experiment of human behavior in maze : The VR application system is modified by solving problems encountered by the study in the first year, such as lighting in a maze, opening and closing doors, realistic perceptibility of wall, floor, ceiling, etc.(3)Comparison of VR and real experiments using maze : We checked the agreement of behavior observed from both real experiment and VR simulation, and the effects of VR training. Evacuation experiments are carried out with three different groups, namely, a) experiment using only a real maze, b) VR training and experiment using real maze, and c) experiment using real maze after seeing the section of the maze. We studied the accuracy and effects of VR experiences by comparing the results from experiment using real maze and VR simulation.(4)Discussion towards advanced VR simulation system for safe space design : We discussed the results from the real experiment and VR simulation and pointed out the problems which should be solved to improve the system.