Michael Robinson
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Kimberlee Kearfott
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: NERS/BME / Engineering
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Disp/Demo
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: Michigan
Authors: Michael B Robinson, Matthew Wade, Jordan D Noey, Kimberlee J Kearfott
Presenter: Table 1
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) games are an emergent tool potentially helpful for students to learn about nuclear sciences with an emphasis on radiation protection. To create an engaging, fully immersive cross platform VR game that is fun to play and will increase student interest, the VR software Unity was chosen. It may be used to develop features, create sound effects, and build all necessary game functions. The 3D modelling software Blender was selected to create advanced items including buildings, rooms, characters, and specialized objects for import into the game’s environment. The predominantly undergraduate game development team is split into two sub-teams: the Unity Team and the Blender Team. The main goals of this year’s Unity Team were adding sound to the game to bring the game to life and increasing user engagement through the introduction of a non-playable character. The Unity Team successfully created three-dimensionally scaled sound so that the volume and ear in which the sound is played are determined by the distance and position of the sound source relative to the player’s virtual position. The Unity Team was further able to successfully trigger the non-playable character to speak and give instructions when the user approaches it. Both of these coding accomplishments increased the realism of the user’s experience when playing. The Blender Team was able to create realistic objects, including a radiation survey meter electronics box and radiation probe, which were appropriately constructed so as not to introduce game lag, or sluggishness in play. The realistic physics implemented for the game enables learning of the inverse-square law, radioactive decay, and shielding. These are taught through very basic tutorial level. The team is planning to design new, more advanced and interesting levels for player. Assessments of player learning and increased interest in the nuclear sciences will be ultimately conducted for the game.
Engineering, Interdisciplinary
