Issue:
The study will replicate a fork-lift environment including controls, and the visual, auditory and vibration exposures representing a typical workplace. This will help accurately determine the health and comfort effects of occupational vibration exposure as well as interactions between the vibration, visual and auditory environment.
Objectives:
To develop a realistic immersive virtual reality environment that can adequately simulate an occupational environment rather than merely the vibration exposure with simplified (static) postures.
Anticipated Results:
The intended outcome is to develop a system for creating a totally immersive virtual workplace which will include a matched set of visual (full 3D world), auditory (sounds and noises) and vibrations (appropriate for the specific vehicle, speed and ground). This framework will enable the research team to investigate the complex interplay between vibration and the visual and auditory perceptions.
Investigators:
James P. Dickey (University of Western Ontario)
