A Novel Room Re-Layout Design Tool for Preparedness of Earthquake Disaster Using Real-Time Physics Simulation and Force-Feedback Interface

Abstract

The virtual reality (VR) generated by computer graphics (CG) has developed very rapidly in accordance with the rapid improvement of computer hardware and CG algorithms. Not only visual still images but also the representation of the behavior of virtual objects has became possible owing to real-time physics simulation, which can provide a high sense of presence to users. Adopting the real-time physics simulation and the force-feedback interface to the architectural design process in VR could make it more realistic by providing a sense of virtual objects such as the weight of the mass, tactile sensation, and interaction between virtual objects and users. As a pilot application of real-time physics simulation and the force-feedback interface in the architectural field, we are developing an educational VR system for earthquake disaster preparedness through a room re-layout design process.