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Developing a Virtual Reality Environment for Mining Research

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Abstract

Recent advances in computing, rendering, and display technologies have generated increased accessibility for virtual reality (VR). VR allows the creation of dynamic, high-fidelity environments to simulate dangerous situations, test conditions, and visualize concepts. Consequently, numerous products have been developed, but many of these are limited in scope. Therefore, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers developed a VR framework, called VR Mine, to rapidly create an underground mine for human data collection, simulation, visualization, and training. This paper describes the features of VR Mine using self-escape and proximity detection as case studies. Features include mine generation, simulated networks, proximity detection systems, and the integration and visualization of real-time ventilation models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236, USA

    Jennica L. Bellanca, Timothy J. Orr, William J. Helfrich, Brendan Macdonald, Jason Navoyski & Brendan Demich

Authors
  1. Jennica L. Bellanca
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  2. Timothy J. Orr
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  3. William J. Helfrich
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  4. Brendan Macdonald
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  5. Jason Navoyski
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  6. Brendan Demich
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Correspondence to Jennica L. Bellanca.

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The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH.

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Bellanca, J.L., Orr, T.J., Helfrich, W.J. et al. Developing a Virtual Reality Environment for Mining Research. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 36, 597–606 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-018-0046-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-018-0046-2

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