Assignment3 report

Introduction

In today's digital age, shopping for furniture has transformed with AR technology. Tools like my application, inspired by IKEA Place, allow users to visualize furniture in real spaces before purchasing (Yambao, Miranda, & Pelayo, 2022). The goal is to simplify furniture selection and ensure suitability. This application is built based on the Unity project of add-vuforia-package-10-15-4. Use “simple scene” in Unity. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for training in various fields, offering immersive and realistic simulations that can prepare individuals for real-world scenarios. In the realm of firefighting, understanding and effectively responding to electrical fires is crucial, given the unique challenges they present. This report introduces a state-of-the-art VR application designed to simulate a fire scene, specifically focusing on electrical fires. The primary aim of this application is to equip firefighters with the knowledge and skills needed to address electrical fires safely and efficiently. By immersing trainees in a controlled yet realistic virtual environment, the application seeks to reduce four primary risks associated with electrical fires: electrocution, re-ignition, explosion, and the production of toxic fumes(Rhodes, Coffrin, & Roald, 2023). Through this VR training, firefighters can gain invaluable experience, enhancing their preparedness and ensuring a safer and more effective response when faced with actual electrical fires.

Description

Virtual Reality (VR) offers unparalleled advantages for simulating fire scenarios, particularly electrical fires. By immersing trainees in a lifelike yet controlled environment, VR provides a hands-on learning experience without the inherent dangers of real-world training (Merchant, Goetz, Cifuentes, Keeney-Kennicutt, & Davis, 2014). This immersive training allows firefighters to practice their responses to various challenges, enhancing their decision-making skills and muscle memory in critical situations (Kavanagh, Luxton-Reilly, Wuensche, & Plimmer, 2017). Furthermore, VR simulations can be easily repeated, ensuring that firefighters get ample practice, while also being exposed to a variety of fire scenarios, increasing their adaptability and preparedness (Chittaro & Buttussi, 2015).

Interaction Design

1.      Virtual House and Doors Interaction: The virtual house serves as the primary environment where the training takes place. The interactive doors teach users the importance of entry and exit strategies during a fire emergency, emphasizing the need to assess situations before acting.

2.      Electrical Box Interaction: Interacting with the electrical box is crucial as it simulates the real-world action of shutting off power during an electrical fire. This interaction reinforces the importance of eliminating electrical sources before tackling an electrical fire, reducing risks like electrocution, re-ignition, and explosion.

3.      Extinguisher Interaction: The ability to grab and use the extinguisher provides hands-on experience in firefighting. It allows users to practice their response in a controlled environment, enhancing their decision-making skills and muscle memory for real-world scenarios.

4.      Warning Message and Scene Reset: The warning message and scene reset serve as immediate feedback mechanisms. If users don't follow the correct safety protocols, the application provides direct consequences, emphasizing the importance of proper procedure and reinforcing learning through repetition.

Storyboard for the Use Case of the Interface Technology and Interaction(s):

1.       User stands in front of a virtual house.

2.      User points the virtual index finger towards the door, which opens.

3.      Inside the house, the user approaches the electrical box on the wall.

4.      User uses the virtual index finger to shut off the power at the electrical box.

5.      User spots the extinguisher and approaches it.

6.      User grabs the extinguisher and presses button A, releasing its contents towards the fire.

7.      Sparks emerge from the fire, and a warning message appears.

8.      User presses button B, resetting the scene.

Technical Development

The application uses oculus integration package to make a basic VR component. Users will need an Oculus AR headset to use it. After installing the application, users can simply start it. Also, there are several particle systems, 3D models, scripts and colliders.

On starting the VR application, users find themselves facing a virtual house. Doors can be interactively opened using the virtual index finger. An electrical box inside the house can be accessed in the same manner, enabling users to safely shut off the power. For firefighting, an extinguisher is provided within the house. Users can grab it using a side button and deploy its contents with button A. If the electrical fire is approached without first turning off the power, the fire produces sparks, and a warning message is displayed. To correct this, users can press button B to restart the scenario, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to safety procedures.