Using virtual reality for the simulation of infrared environments for human training

ABSTRACT

The paper describes a method to dynamically simulate heat transfer and the generation of infrared images, all in real time. Although there do exist models that produce infrared images of environments these models are generally static and only show one view at one moment in time, usually the time at temperature equilibrium. The model presented moment in time. Instead, a user is emersed within a virtual environment, through the use of a head mounted display, and is presented with a dynamically changing scene that reflects the changing temperatures of the objects as they seek equilibrium within their environment. The view point is also dynamic allowing the user to move around the scene, and to interact and change certain elements. In this way the user is free to turn on or off lights, motors, and other heat sources and observe the effects that this will have on the other objects in the environment, all of this in real time.

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