Virtual Reality and Virtual Environments-A Tool for Improving Occupational Safety and Health

183 Pages·2020·54.129 MB·\183

by  Andrzej Grabowski (Author)

Virtual Reality and
Virtual Environments
Occupational Safety, Health, and
Ergonomics: Theory and Practice
Series Editor: Danuta Koradecka
(Central Institute for Labour Protection – National
Research Institute)
This series will contain monographs, references, and professional books on a compendium of
knowledge in the interdisciplinary area of environmental engineering, which covers ergonomics
and safety and the protection of human health in the working environment. Its aim consists in an
interdisciplinary, comprehensive and modern approach to hazards, not only those already present
in the working environment, but also those related to the expected changes in new technologies
and work organizations. The series aims to acquaint both researchers and practitioners with the
latest research in occupational safety and ergonomics. The public, who want to improve their
own or their family’s safety, and the protection of heath will find it helpful, too. Thus, individual
books in this series present both a scientific approach to problems and suggest practical solu-
tions; they are offered in response to the actual needs of companies, enterprises, and institutions.
Visual and Non-Visual Effects of Light
Working Environment and Well-Being
Agnieszka Wolska, Dariusz Sawicki, Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
Occupational Noise and Workplace Acoustics
Advances in Measurement and Assessment Techniques
Dariusz Pleban
Virtual Reality and Virtual Environments
A Tool for Improving Occupational Safety and Health
Andrzej Grabowski
Head, Eye, and Face Personal Protective Equipment
New Trends, Practice and Applications
Katarzyna Majchrzycka
Nanoaerosols, Air Filtering and Respiratory Protection
Science and Practice
Katarzyna Majchrzycka
Microbial Corrosion of Buildings
A Guide to Detection, Health Hazards, and Mitigation
Rafał L. Górny
Respiratory Protection Against Hazardous Biological Agents
Katarzyna Majchrzycka, Justyna Szulc, Małgorzata Okrasa
For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.crcpress.com/Occupational-
Safety-Health-and-Ergonomics-Theory-and-Practice/book-series/CRCOSHETP
Virtual Reality and Virtual
Environments
A Tool for Improving Occupational
Safety and Health
Andrzej Grabowski
First edition published 2021
by CRC Press
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and by CRC Press
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in‑Publication Data
Names: Grabowski, Andrzej, author.
Title: Virtual reality and virtual environments : a tool for improving
occupational safety and health / Andrzej Grabowski.
Description: First edition. | Boca Raton, FL : CRC Press, 2020. | Series:
Occupational safety, health, and ergonomics | Includes bibliographical
references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020005223 (print) | LCCN 2020005224 (ebook) | ISBN
9780367489946 (hardback) | ISBN 9780367500160 (paperback) | ISBN
9781003048510 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Industrial safety--Management. | Industrial safety--Data
processing. | Industrial hygiene--Data processing. | Virtual reality.
Classification: LCC T55 .G725 2020 (print) | LCC T55 (ebook) | DDC
658.3/82028568--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020005223
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020005224
ISBN: [978-0-367-48994-6] (hbk)
ISBN: [978-1-003-04851-0] (ebk)
Contents
Preface.......................................................................................................................ix
Series Editor ..............................................................................................................xi
Author ....................................................................................................................xiii
Chapter 1 Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR) ...................................................1
1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................1
1.2 Examples of Applications of VR ...............................................4
1.2.1 Introduction ..................................................................4
1.2.2 Training Using VR .......................................................6
1.2.3 Ergonomics and VR ...................................................11
1.2.4 Support for Risk Assessment in the Context
of VR ..........................................................................13
1.2.5 The Design and Evaluation of Workplaces ................14
1.2.6 Testing of Protective Devices .....................................15
1.2.7 Telepresence Implemented Using VR ........................15
1.2.8 Training in Rehabilitation Using VR .........................20
1.2.9 Support in the Investigation of Accidents at Work.....24
Chapter 2 Virtual Reality as a Training Tool .....................................................25
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................25
2.1.1 The Illusion of Spatial Presence in VR ......................25
2.1.2 An Outline of the Theoretical Model of Spatial
Presence ......................................................................26
2.1.3 The Consequences of Creating an Impression of
Presence ......................................................................26
2.2 Involving the Sense of Touch during Training
Simulation – A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of
Training Processes ...................................................................27
2.3 The Training of Miners Working in an Underground
Hard Coal Mine – An Example of a Training Applied via
a Virtual Environment .............................................................34
2.4 Training Firefighters – An Example of a Training
Application for People Who Collaborate with Each Other .....43
2.5 Vehicle Simulators – Driver and Machine
Operator Training ....................................................................45
2.5.1 Introduction ................................................................45
2.5.2 A Method for Presenting the Image ...........................46
2.5.3 Elements of Force Feedback ......................................49
2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Tools for Supporting Analysis and the Modification of
Training Processes ...................................................................50
v
vi Contents
Chapter 3 Increasing the Cognitive Skills of Workers via Virtual
Environments .....................................................................................51
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................51
3.1.1 Cognitive Aging .........................................................51
3.1.2 The Use of Modern Technology by the Elderly –
Technology Acceptance Model ..................................52
3.1.3 Methodology of Psychological Research Using
Virtual Environments .................................................53
3.1.4 VR in the Context of Training (Professional
Activation) ..................................................................54
3.2 Research Goal..........................................................................55
3.3 Test Procedure .........................................................................56
3.4 The Prepared Virtual Environment .........................................57
3.4.1 Construction of a Virtual Workplace .........................57
3.4.2 Algorithm for Operating the Virtual Workstation .....58
3.4.3 The Adaptive Part ......................................................58
3.4.4 The Training Part .......................................................62
3.4.5 Results File .................................................................63
3.5 Preparation of the Test Stand in the Form of a Simplified
Workplace ................................................................................64
3.6 Results Obtained .....................................................................65
3.6.1 Descriptive Statistics ..................................................65
3.6.2 Simulator Sickness .....................................................65
3.6.3 Attention and Perceptiveness Test ..............................67
3.6.4 Mental Fatigue ............................................................69
3.6.5 Preparation for the Study and Adaptation to the
Virtual Environment ..................................................70
3.6.6 Assessment of the Level of Control over
Performing the Tasks at the Workstation ...................71
3.6.7 Training Effectiveness ................................................72
3.7 Testing Hypotheses ..................................................................73
3.7.1 Older Adults Adapt to the Task Performed in
a Virtual Environment in the Same Way as
Younger Adults ...........................................................73
3.7.2 Training Young Adults in a Virtual Environment
Is More Effective Than Training Using Other
Methods ......................................................................74
3.7.3 Training Older Adults in a Virtual Environment
Is More Effective Than Training Using Other
Methods ......................................................................75
3.7.4 Training in a Virtual Environment Is More
Effective for Older Adults ..........................................75
3.7.5 Training in a Virtual Environment Has the Same
Effect on the Well-Being of Older Adults and
Younger Adults ..........................................................76
3.8 Summary .................................................................................77
Contents vii
Chapter 4 Testing Workstations in Virtual Reality – An Example of
Cooperation with a Robot (Collaborative Robot) ...............................79
4.1 Introduction .............................................................................79
4.2 Assumptions and Research Methodology ...............................79
4.3 Registering Data during Tests .................................................83
4.4 The Preparation of Surveys .....................................................83
4.5 Test Procedure .........................................................................83
4.6 Course and Results of the Tests ...............................................86
4.7 Analysis of Statistical Data .....................................................86
4.8 Survey Results .........................................................................89
4.8.1 Spatial Presence Questionnaire (SPQ) .......................89
4.8.2 STAI – Anxiety as a Trait and Condition Scale .........90
4.8.3 Mood ..........................................................................90
4.8.4 NARS – Negative Attitude toward Robots Scale .......90
4.8.5 Attitude and Behavior toward Robots ........................92
4.9 Conclusions ..............................................................................93
4.10 Summary .................................................................................94
Chapter 5 Virtual Reality in the Adaptation of Workstations and Workplaces .....97
5.1 Introduction .............................................................................97
5.2 Research Methodology ............................................................99
5.3 Results and Conclusions ........................................................100
5.4 Sample Workstation Recreated in a Virtual Environment .......103
5.5 Computer Tools to Support Design, Ergonomic
Assessment, and Adaptation of Workstations to
the Needs of People with Disabilities, Based on
Anthropometric Data .............................................................106
5.6 Summary ...............................................................................107
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 .....................................................109
6.1 Introduction ...........................................................................109
6.2 Method for Testing VBPD Software .....................................110
6.3 An Example of the Potential Use of a Vision
System on an Assembly Line ................................................112
6.4 An Example of the Potential Use of a Vision
System to Ensure Safe Human–Robot Collaboration ...........114
6.5 Typical Image Analysis Methods Used in
Optoelectronic Protective Devices Equipped with a
Vision System ........................................................................114
6.6 Summary ...............................................................................117
viii Contents
Chapter 7 Numerical Simulations in Virtual Environments ............................119
7.1 Introduction ..........................................................................119
7.2 Virtual Environments for Reconstruction of Accidents at
Work ......................................................................................119
7.2.1 Introduction ..............................................................119
7.2.2 Reconstruction Procedure ........................................120
7.2.3 Numerical Simulation Methods ...............................121
7.2.4 Example Injury Assessment Criteria ........................123
7.2.5 Example of a Reconstruction of an Accident
Involving a Forklift ..................................................127
7.2.6 Visualization of a Numerical Reconstruction of
an Accident at Work .................................................131
7.3 Virtual Environments for Testing Protective Devices...........131
7.3.1 Introduction ..............................................................131
7.3.2 Examples of Safety Components That Protect
the Operator against the Effects of an Accident ......134
7.3.3 Use of Numerical Simulations to Assess Injuries ....135
7.3.4 A Comparison of Operator Protection Elements
Based on the Results of Numerical Simulations ......135
7.3.5 Conclusion ................................................................144
7.4 VR Supports the Process of Collecting Data on People’s
Behavior Just before an Accident at Work Occurs ................145
7.4.1 Introduction ..............................................................145
7.4.2 Procedure and Test Results ......................................147
7.4.3 Summary ..................................................................151
Chapter 8 Summary ..........................................................................................153
References .............................................................................................................157
Index ......................................................................................................................167
Preface
Our surrounding reality is subject to constant, ever faster change that is driven by
the constantly accelerating advancement of technology, especially in the fields of
information technology and telecommunication. This relates to all aspects of every-
day life, but seems even more interesting in the context of the work environment.
Physical ability requirements continue to decline. The tasks performed by employ-
ees are less and less dependent on the work of human muscles, thanks to the use of
machines. Automation and use of industrial robots concern an increasing number
of industries. In the last century, it was mainly associated with the use of industrial
robots in the production processes, the icon of which were vehicle production lines
that were nearly devoid of workers. Currently, this trend is expanding through coop-
erative robots, wearable robots (exoskeletons), and remotely operated machines that
implement the concept of telepresence. Further, automation also affects other fields
of work that were previously performed by people, despite not necessarily requiring
great physical effort. An excellent example is transport, and the changes that are
currently beginning to take place thanks to the practical implementation of research
results on machine vision and artificial intelligence algorithms. Large autonomous
vehicles like ships, cars, and airplanes, as well as small unmanned vehicles (e.g.
UAVs – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) can revolutionize cargo transport processes.
On the one hand, the need to perform simple physical work or repetitive tasks is
disappearing. On the other, requirements relating to cognitive abilities and resources
are growing. Since simple tasks can be performed by robots or computer programs,
which is also increasingly affecting office work, people will be faced with tasks that
require greater mental effort.
Because machines are performing more and more tasks, they are becoming more
complicated, which necessitates increasingly complex human–machine interfaces.
Further, new technologies like the fifth-generation telecommunication network (5G),
Internet of Things (IoT), and implementation of the concept of Industry 4.0 mean
that workers will have to deal with the need to process and analyze large amounts
of information. Workers of future factories will have to resolve completely differ-
ent categories of problems. Thankfully, there is ongoing scientific research on tools
that aim to help workers in an increasingly demanding work environment. An espe-
cially interesting example of this type of tool is the group of technologies called
eXtended Reality (XR). This relatively new term includes recently, intensively devel-
oping technologies like: (1) Augmented Reality (AR), where sensory experiences
are enriched with additional information that can be helpful in performing work; (2)
Virtual Reality (VR), where the senses are presented with an artificial signal pre-
pared by a computer instead of reality; and (3) Mixed Reality (MR), which is a kind
of combined, hybrid virtual and real world in which virtual objects can interact with
real objects through dedicated effectors. In the monograph, of the above-mentioned
three, virtual reality receives the most attention, as it not only has practical applica-
tions but is also an exceptionally useful research tool. Since computer-generated arti-
ficial (virtual) environments are an inseparable part of the virtual reality that users
ix