User Perception of Heat Source Location for a Multisensory Fire Training Simulation

This paper presents an ongoing project investigating the use of multimodal VR in occupational safety and health training. An initial study explored user perception of heat simulation from varied positions, investigating the accuracy of perceived location of the heat sources and effects on realism in a fire simulation. While immersed in a VE, participants were asked to locate heat sources in different positions around them, and rate the realism of the heat in terms of location, timing and heat level. Results showed that users could accurately locate heat sources, and that the positioning of the heaters did not make a significant difference to accuracy. Two symmetrically placed heaters were found to provide a more realistic experience than a single heater, and the addition of heat was more realistic than no heat at all. These results provide guidance on the use of radiant heat simulation in VE, which will inform the design of a training environment for workplace fire safety training.