Virtual Reality in Education

Senovsky, Michail¹ & Kodym, Oldrich²

1VSB – Technical univerzity of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15, 708 33 Ostrava, Czech Republic, michail.senovsky@vsb.cz
²VSB – Technical univerzity of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15, 708 33 Ostrava, Czech Republic, oldrich.kodym@vsb.cz

Abstract: This contribution concentrates on the use of virtual reality in the education, Institute of Safety Engineering. The use of 3D in design represents the use of movement in predetermined space. This can significantly influence the education with respect to fire repression and fire prevention. Practical demonstration shows a model for rescue service which serves firefighters, medical emergency staff and police.

Keywords: virtual reality, modeling, education, fire fighters, computers.

Introduction

3D design in computers is not new. It is used by architects during the design process of buildings and other constructions. To this date the use of 3D was restricted by the capabilities of computer hardware and software. Today, high quality computers are more accessible and software which through the use of graphics enables us to use the third dimension and virtual reality. The virtual reality brings to the computer age new possibilities which at time look like a science fiction movie. A major breakthrough in the use of virtual reality came with the Internet, specifically through the use of the programming language VRML. Through the use of Internet and Intranet we can use models of virtual world any where at any time.

The basics of virtual reality depend on practices and procedures in computer graphics. It relates specifically on design of 3D models, their manipulation in real time. These procedures are further amplified through the use of parephieal devices which concentrate on heightened use of senses such as sight, hearing and touch. This may be devices such as helmets with built in displays and stereo receivers, touch devices like gloves attached to various sensors etc. It is important, however, that virtual reality can be used even without these special devices. The personal computer can serve as the entry point to the virtual reality and we can use the keyboard and mouse to move within this world.

Virtual reality programs are based on the following:

• Everything happens in the real time.
• The artificial world created is three dimensional in nature.
• The user can enter insight this world and can move in it freely.
• This world is not static, the user can manipulate with its parts. The virtual bodies can exist as individuals, they move according to animation curves, they interact with the user and with each other.

The display of the artificial world in the real time is so important that even the quality of graphics is often subordinated it. This is why pictures from virtual reality may appear rough. This problem may be resolved through the use of high quality 3D graphic cards.

Virtual reality in education can be used for practical exercises during which students do not have to leave their classrooms and still obtain quality professional training. Through the use of virtual reality description of various processes and procedures is simplified and can be demonstrated directly in classrooms.

Practical use of virtual reality

Why virtual reality

The main factor in today’s education in the Czech Republic is finances. This also answers our question – why. Why build expensive, large training centers on large tracks of land when few rooms containing several computers suffices. The current trend of exponential rise of computer power and decline of computer prices indicates that expenses associated with creating such virtual centers would be lower than construction of a classic training polygon. In the virtual world it is possible to burn almost anything. it is also possible to construct buildings with faulty designs which do not comply to the fire safety regulations. We can identify how did these faulty designs contribute to the growth of fire. This would not be possible in the real world. Many such examples exist, and I will talk about them later.

During the recent years we are more concerned with ecology. Fire fighters, however, must learn how to put out fires. If it is not possible through the use of real fires, it is possible to practice it through the use of virtual reality. We will make a virtual fire and then put out virtual flames. Even though I do not think this is a good area for use of virtual reality (so far it is not possible to simulate heat, noise, and the physical force which the fire fighter must exert when holding the house and nozzle.) we can utilize it for learning about tactics.

During instructions it is important to demonstrate a specific problem. One of the ways is virtual reality. Based on this technique, students can learn to react on the modeled situation, expand their theoretical knowledge and also learn the basis of fire management tactics.

Fire repression

In the study of fire repression, virtual reality can be used in areas such as virtual map. It is possible to insert 3D models of buildings and their description into virtual country side. User can then enter these buildings and move freely inside. Main areas of these buildings should be identified. A picture or an explanation about their characteristic can be directly attached to them. This would allow us to predict specific risks. The view of the virtual building should be as real as possible.

1. It is important to concentrate on burning rate and combustion products within the building and fire modeling in real time and real space. The necessary software for this type of modeling is already available today.
2. In this type of virtual building it is possible to observe the fire fighting unit and its individual members. The time inside of such building is limited to the amount of air available in the fire fighter’s breathing apparatus. In a virtual building it is possible to perform a search and rescue operation, move various objects which are scattered inside, break open doors. For these purposes we can use an animated character named ”JACK” who can freely move within his virtual space. We can practice various methods of extinguishing fires in closed spaces, train against dangers for example, back draft. Using this technique we can demonstrate the influence of smoke and poor visibility.
3. Training for less common incidents such as extinguishing of fire inside industrial areas, flammable liquid tanks, nuclear power plants, etc. For these situations virtual models may be prepared which would demonstrate specific fire fighting techniques. Another use is simulation of handling of special fire fighting equipment such as hydraulic platforms and leaders.
4. Training for accidents involving hazardous materials. Modeling can be used for simulation of escape of dangerous liquids and gasses into the environment.
5. Virtual map can be used for rerouting of access routes to the hazard area.
6. The system can be also used for training coordination of all units involved in the extinguishing and rescue process.

Fire prevention

In the fire prevention area virtual reality can be also used extensively. It can be used specifically for fire inspection training and training for final inspections of newly constructed buildings. Another possibility is to design virtual buildings with fire safety equipment (fire dampers, fire doors, heat and smoke transfer devices and fixed fire extinguishing systems.) This will allow us to observe the manner in which the fire develops and what effect these devices have on the fire.

Virtual reality can be used for determining causes of fires. We can use existing documentation of real fires in order to confirm if determined causes of these fire were real.

Virtual reality can be applied during student examinations, such as during courses relating to Fire Safety of Buildings. The professor gives faulty information about the design of a building and the student is responsible for its identification.

Finally, I would like to demonstrate another use of virtual reality. Operations centers play a very important part in receiving information and organizing rescue operations. These operations centers are very important because they also serve as a meeting areas for all organizations involved, fire fighters, police and medical staff. In following pages you can see a model of such a center.

Figure 1. An overall view of an operations center.

Figure 2. View of a room in which a crisis management would work during the time of crises.

Figure 3. A view of a work area responsible for receiving information about fires and other accidents.

References

Aukstakalnis, S.; Blatner, D.: Realne o virtualni realite. Brno: Jota, 1994. 283 p. (in czech)

Jilek, M.: Studie vyuziti virtualni reality v pozarni ochrane. VSB – TU Ostrava, diplomova prace, 1999. 48 p. (in czech)