Virtual Reality and Virtual Environments : A Tool for Improving Occupational Safety and Health.

Cover -- Half Title -- Series Page -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- Preface -- Series Editor -- Author -- Chapter 1 Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR) -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 Examples of Applications of VR -- 1.2.1 Introduction -- 1.2.2 Training Using VR -- 1.2.3 Ergonomics and VR -- 1.2.4 Support for Risk Assessment in the Context of VR -- 1.2.5 The Design and Evaluation of Workplaces -- 1.2.6 Testing of Protective Devices -- 1.2.7 Telepresence Implemented Using VR -- 1.2.8 Training in Rehabilitation Using VR -- 1.2.9 Support in the Investigation of Accidents at Work -- Chapter 2 Virtual Reality as a Training Tool -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.1.1 The Illusion of Spatial Presence in VR -- 2.1.2 An Outline of the Theoretical Model of Spatial Presence -- 2.1.3 The Consequences of Creating an Impression of Presence -- 2.2 Involving the Sense of Touch during Training Simulation - A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of Training Processes -- 2.3 The Training of Miners Working in an Underground Hard Coal Mine - An Example of a Training Applied via a Virtual Environment -- 2.4 Training Firefighters - An Example of a Training Application for People Who Collaborate with Each Other -- 2.5 Vehicle Simulators - Driver and Machine Operator Training -- 2.5.1 Introduction -- 2.5.2 A Method for Presenting the Image -- 2.5.3 Elements of Force Feedback -- 2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools for Supporting Analysis and the Modification of Training Processes -- Chapter 3 Increasing the Cognitive Skills of Workers via Virtual Environments -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.1.1 Cognitive Aging -- 3.1.2 The Use of Modern Technology by the Elderly - Technology Acceptance Model -- 3.1.3 Methodology of Psychological Research Using Virtual Environments -- 3.1.4 VR in the Context of Training (Professional Activation) -- 3.2 Research Goal.

3.3 Test Procedure -- 3.4 The Prepared Virtual Environment -- 3.4.1 Construction of a Virtual Workplace -- 3.4.2 Algorithm for Operating the Virtual Workstation -- 3.4.3 The Adaptive Part -- 3.4.4 The Training Part -- 3.4.5 Results File -- 3.5 Preparation of the Test Stand in the Form of a Simplified Workplace -- 3.6 Results Obtained -- 3.6.1 Descriptive Statistics -- 3.6.2 Simulator Sickness -- 3.6.3 Attention and Perceptiveness Test -- 3.6.4 Mental Fatigue -- 3.6.5 Preparation for the Study and Adaptation to the Virtual Environment -- 3.6.6 Assessment of the Level of Control over Performing the Tasks at the Workstation -- 3.6.7 Training Effectiveness -- 3.7 Testing Hypotheses -- 3.7.1 Older Adults Adapt to the Task Performed in a Virtual Environment in the Same Way as Younger Adults -- 3.7.2 Training Young Adults in a Virtual Environment Is More Effective Than Training Using Other Methods -- 3.7.3 Training Older Adults in a Virtual Environment Is More Effective Than Training Using Other Methods -- 3.7.4 Training in a Virtual Environment Is More Effective for Older Adults -- 3.7.5 Training in a Virtual Environment Has the Same Effect on the Well-Being of Older Adults and Younger Adults -- 3.8 Summary -- Chapter 4 Testing Workstations in Virtual Reality - An Example of Cooperation with a Robot (Collaborative Robot) -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Assumptions and Research Methodology -- 4.3 Registering Data during Tests -- 4.4 The Preparation of Surveys -- 4.5 Test Procedure -- 4.6 Course and Results of the Tests -- 4.7 Analysis of Statistical Data -- 4.8 Survey Results -- 4.8.1 Spatial Presence Questionnaire (SPQ) -- 4.8.2 STAI - Anxiety as a Trait and Condition Scale -- 4.8.3 Mood -- 4.8.4 NARS - Negative Attitude toward Robots Scale -- 4.8.5 Attitude and Behavior toward Robots -- 4.9 Conclusions -- 4.10 Summary.

Chapter 5 Virtual Reality in the Adaptation of Workstations and Workplaces -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Research Methodology -- 5.3 Results and Conclusions -- 5.4 Sample Workstation Recreated in a Virtual Environment -- 5.5 Computer Tools to Support Design, Ergonomic Assessment, and Adaptation of Workstations to the Needs of People with Disabilities, Based on Anthropometric Data -- 5.6 Summary -- Chapter 6 The Use of Virtual Environments to Support the Selection of Protective Systems for Machines in Order to Reduce the Risk Associated with Their Operation -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Method for Testing VBPD Software -- 6.3 An Example of the Potential Use of a Vision System on an Assembly Line -- 6.4 An Example of the Potential Use of a Vision System to Ensure Safe Human-Robot Collaboration -- 6.5 Typical Image Analysis Methods Used in Optoelectronic Protective Devices Equipped with a Vision System -- 6.6 Summary -- Chapter 7 Numerical Simulations in Virtual Environments -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Virtual Environments for Reconstruction of Accidents at Work -- 7.2.1 Introduction -- 7.2.2 Reconstruction Procedure -- 7.2.3 Numerical Simulation Methods -- 7.2.4 Example Injury Assessment Criteria -- 7.2.5 Example of a Reconstruction of an Accident Involving a Forklift -- 7.2.6 Visualization of a Numerical Reconstruction of an Accident at Work -- 7.3 Virtual Environments for Testing Protective Devices -- 7.3.1 Introduction -- 7.3.2 Examples of Safety Components That Protect the Operator against the Effects of an Accident -- 7.3.3 Use of Numerical Simulations to Assess Injuries -- 7.3.4 A Comparison of Operator Protection Elements Based on the Results of Numerical Simulations -- 7.3.5 Conclusion -- 7.4 VR Supports the Process of Collecting Data on People's Behavior Just before an Accident at Work Occurs -- 7.4.1 Introduction -- 7.4.2 Procedure and Test Results.

7.4.3 Summary -- Chapter 8 Summary -- References -- Index.

Virtual reality (VR) systems are becoming popular in occupational health and safety. Studies conducted in a simulated, virtual world make it possible to test new solutions and introduce modifications to eliminate risk in work-related accidents. VR techniques assist people with disabilities and special needs by aiding them to adapt to workstations.

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Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2024. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.