Stimulus Presentation Systems
Surround sound system: An array of eight speakers (two per wall) will provide surround sound to participants in every lab. This sound can be used, for instance, to increase the realism of a Virtual Environment, to provide realistic challenges to those using augmentative communication aids, as a source of distraction for subjects attempting to perform particular functional tasks, or used simply to mask the noise produced by the equipment. There will also be access to a 3D sound database that contains a wide selection of common, everyday sound sources.Projector systems: LCD projectors will be available inside the WinterLab and will be used to project images on the opposite wall. For instance, images will be projected onto the walls as a way of helping occupants orientate themselves by providing a frame of reference. 6 high resolution LED projectors will be used in StreetLab as described above.
Virtual Environment: While the VE will be customizable for each research project, we currently have developed an extremely high resolution, virtual rendering of the city block surrounding Toronto Rehab; even down to the level of cracks in the sidewalks! (see images below). This VE includes intelligent vehicles and pedestrians that interact with the user and adjustable traffic signal timing. A realistic 3D soundscape is integrated with the visual model.
Figures 1 and 2: The images on the left (1A and 2A) are actual photographs of locations in downtown Toronto and the images on the right (1B and 2B) are taken from a 3D virtual simulation of the same approximate locations. The simulations will also include intelligent pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
