FDVR Operational Tests

The Details

Background. Building off the technical tests run by IOPEX LLC, and its establishing of an Immersive Operational Experimentation (IOPEX) Program. Touro University California, led by Dr. Natalie Nevins, and additional research collaborators (TUC+) will conduct an operator “usability” test of the Full Dive VR Units (FDVUs). Data will be collected from the operators during a disaster scenario that will provide a multi-sensory experience almost indistinguishable from the real world. The FDVR program will provide a training and experimentation platform to allow civilian and military operators to engage remotely, via cloud computing, from their home stations and selected laboratory facilities. Critical to success of the FDVU Program is precursor operational tests to identify the useability and limitations with FDVUs and training scenarios.

Execution. 15-17 November 2022, TUC+ (in collaboration with MACE VL, ShinyBox Interactive, IOPEX, LLC, Houston Community College and Microsoft Federal) will conduct a proof-of-concept operational test of two FDVUs in action. MACE VL and ShinyBox Interactive will equip the two selected EMT/Paramedics (operators) with FDVUs that integrate VR Headsets, Teslasuits, hand- tracking software, (HaptX gloves, if available and integrated), and 360-degree treadmills. The two operators (linked through the Microsoft Azure cloud platform) will participate in short disaster scenarios requiring multi-sensory interaction of the two distributed operators working together. The scenarios should fine-tune specific VR performance capabilities and issues associated with the haptic interface, related hand tracking; multi-sensory bodily sensation; locomotion; visualization; verbal communication, and the impact of network latency. Additionally, the TUC+ research team will be gathering data from the operators on “useability” and the level of perceived immersion.

15 November will be the initial day of testing to allow for operator fitting and familiarity with the FDVR system. The operators will not conduct a full metaverse disaster scenario on this day.
16 November will allow the technical team to make any further adjustments to the FDVR operator setups prior to the full run through the next day.
17 November will be the full operational testing day. The operators will run through the selected VR scenario at 10:00 CST. The technical team will make any further adjustments needed before the final testing at 13:00 CST. At 13:00 CST the operators will run through the full disaster scenario.

Observation. Operational testing events will occur at Houston Community College, West Loop Campus. West Loop Campus | Houston Community College - HCC (hccs.edu). We welcome interested parties to observe the test events in person on 17 November. Guests are invited to arrive at 13:00 CST for an introduction to the operational test, and to observe the testing at 13:30 CST in person. After the scenario we will have time for questions. We will also provide the ability to remotely observe each test event via a live video stream. In person and remote attendees should register using the form on this page. We will be limiting in-person attendance to ten per event.

The POC for the FDVU Operational test is:

Natalie A. Nevins, D.O., M.S.H.P.E., FS, COL USAR (Touro University, CA)

nnevins@touro.edu | (T)) 213-219-3796

What is a Full Dive VR Unit (FDVU)?

To create a fully-immersive environment the FDVU engages as many senses as possible through the use of state-of-the-art VR hardware to enable haptic sensations, full-body tracking, retina scale visuals, and the ability to walk and run in the simulated virtual environment.