The technology in RCR Simulation Lab

Technical aids for simulation: 

• 360° Visualization
  A number of ceiling projectors facilitate the seamless visualization on white walls. The venue measures 8mX8m with a projection surface of 2m in height. The projections may be film, virtual environments, images, etc.

• 360° Sound system
  The lab is equipped with surround sound in order to enhance the feeling of motion in the visualizations. This is similar to the sound systems in movie theatres with the sound coming in from multiple sources and following the sequence of the film.

• Vibration
  Special speakers create vibration with the use of low-level frequencies to simulate, for example, traffic noise.

• Lighting
  The simulation of different environments requires different kinds of lighting: for example, daylight is very different to the light in a nightclub. A variety of colors as well as lightning or the glow of fire enhance different scenarios.

• Smoke
  We use typical theatrical smoke to simulate fire or other instances when there would be smoke.

• Scents
  Scents are important for the enhancement of simulations as, for example, the scent of a forest is very different to that of a hospital. The simulation of incidents also is enhanced by the use of scents. For example, diesel, exhaust fumes, rubber or smoke would enhance the simulation of a car accident.

• Temperature
  We use infrared heat units mainly to enhance fire scenarios.

• Props
  We use theatrical props to enhance realism in a simulation, just as in a theatrical play. 

Technologies for registering data generated from the simulations:

• Cameras
  Fixed and moveable cameras are available to record what happens in the lab. The cameras are able to film under normal light conditions as well as infrared for scenarios that call for darkness. The walls are painted with a special metallic paint that allows the magnetic mounting of cameras at any point on the walls.

• Sound Recording
  Fixed and moveable microphones record sound. Researchers and students may use body microphones as well directed microphones to record sound from specific sources.

• Eye Tracking
  Researchers and students may use eye trackers—glasses which record eye movement—to examine, for example, where people look for information in different situations and under different circumstances.
• Physiological Technology
  The body reacts differently in different situations. These reactions may be computed with the aid of technology measuring factors such as pulse, perspiration, breathing, etc.