The Virtual PWC Facility Tony Andrady Research Triangle Institute Klaus-Peter Beier University of Michigan

The Virtual PWC Facility Tony Andrady Research Triangle Institute Klaus-Peter Beier University of Michigan

The Virtual PWC Facility Symbolically Depicted Environments Indistinguishable from Reality Futuristic

The Virtual Presence Symbolically Depicted Environments Indistinguishable from Reality Futuristic

The Virtual “Presence” Symbolically Depicted Environments Indistinguishable from Reality Futuristic Environments sufficiently realistic to elicit typical and valid user responses.

Creating a Virtual Presence CAVE Teleoperation “Presence” results in engagement of subject

Engineering for “Presence”  Realism of Virtual content  An accurate physical interface  A good logical environment * physics rules * behavioral rules

The CAVE Environment  Near 180 degree field of vision  Physics-based dynamics simulator  “Scriptability” of scenarios  Data Acquisition ( throttle, handle bar, position, time, reaction time )

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment Cave Hardware

Cave Variables  Content image variables  Scriptable dynamic action variables  Equipment variables  Trial-related variables

Cave Variables  Content image variables visibility, vessel density, beach  Scriptable dynamic action variables  Equipment variables  Trial-related variables

Cave Variables  Content image variables visibility, vessel density, beach  Scriptable dynamic action variables obstacles, routes of boats  Equipment variables  Trial-related variables

Cave Variables  Content image variables visibility, vessel density, beach  Scriptable dynamic action variables obstacles, routes of boats  Equipment variables  Trial-related variables

Cave Variables  Content image variables visibility, vessel density, beach  Scriptable dynamic action variables obstacles, routes of boats  Equipment variables acceleration, turning radius, steering  Trial-related variables

Cave Variables  Content image variables visibility, vessel density, beach  Scriptable dynamic action variables obstacles, routes of boats  Equipment variables acceleration, turning radius, steering  Trial-related variables course, time constraints, specific tasks

Experimental Design PWC INTERFACE Operator Virtual Lake Cave Software Custom Software Basic Feedback Loop

Experimental Design PWC INTERFACE Operator Virtual Lake Cave Software Custom Software Data Acquisition Display and Analysis

Utility of a Virtual PWC Facility  A virtual environment that is realistic enough to study human risk factors in recreational boating (PWC)  An economical simulation tool for regulators and equipment designers.  A training tool for highly skilled vessel operators, enforcers, and educators.

Progress Report  Two virtual lake environments  Flexibility of testing  Validated using both novice and experienced users  Demonstrated using real subjects University of Michigan VR Lab

Live Demonstration  Professor Peter Beier will discuss the technical features of the CAVE. This will be followed by a demonstration and test rides.  Logs of your individual runs created at the time of operation will be available for viewing after lunch.  A box lunch will be served after the demonstration