Estefania Munoz-Barron
Research Mentor(s): Kim Kearfott
Department or Program: NERS
Authors: Estefania Munoz-Barron, Jianyu Tu, Kimberlee J Kearfott
Session: Session 1: 12:00pm-12:50pm
Poster: 37
Abstract
DoseBusters is a virtual reality (VR) game that provides fully immersive three-dimensional environments for radiation training and education. The game is built in the Unity engine and features real-time radiation simulation with simple gamma dose tracking and shielding calculations. The game features a Tutorial Laboratory that can teach newcomers basic VR controls and radiation detection and protection fundamentals. Players can also build on their understanding of radiation surveying and shielding via specific game levels within varying environments. DoseBusters provides a selection of radiation detectors and shielding elements for players to interact with. However, more models are needed to replicate new environments and training scenarios virtually. Desired assets range from common furniture to sophisticated radiation detection equipment. Creating these environments requires models that will immerse players in the virtual space while meeting performance targets for consumer VR headsets. All work is being completed using Blender, an open-source three-dimensional modeling software toolset that allows the creation of models that may be directly imported into a Unity project. With its wireframe modeling approach, Blender uses vertices forming polygons to create the shape of an object before textures or other modifications to its appearance are applied. For this work, lab furniture and equipment were successfully modeled. Radiation shield models were also created in a variety of dimensions and shapes. Unity scripts will assign shields and other models placed in the environment with appropriate material attenuation properties for different radiation types and energies. DoseBusters has an expanding list of radiation detection systems carefully adapted from commercially available ones. Radiation detectors modeled include Geiger-Mueller tubes, ion and proportional chambers, semiconductors, and scintillators. Each instrument’s major dimensions are proportional in the VR space to those provided in the manufacturer’s specification sheet, with minor dimensions approximated. Any interactable components, such as buttons, switches, and knobs, are modeled separately, which allows independent motion or change if appropriately coded within Unity. Textures, in the form of two-dimensional images, are also applied to the models to provide detailed coloring that resembles the appearance of the detector’s real-world materials. Scripts within Unity may be written to change the measurements each radiation detection instrument model displays according to appropriate radiation detection sensitivities corresponding to different radiation sources. It is important to limit the number of polygons, without compromising appearance, in a model to prevent slow graphical processing speeds, which may lead to frustration and dizziness. Smooth shading algorithms were used to achieve a reasonable level of detail without sacrificing computing power for non-flat surfaces. Examples of models with different polygon counts, their corresponding appearance, and their quantitative effects on frame rate will be presented.
