Introduction

The VRdose system has been developed by IFE and Japan Nuclear Cycle development institute (JNC) for use in the decommissioning of the Fugen Nuclear Power Station in Tsuruga, Japan. The primary focus of VRdose is on work planning in combination with radiation visualisation and occupational dose estimation.

By visualising radiation levels, VRdose enables its users to rapidly assess a situation, to provide better understanding of it, for design, training, or operations purposes. For example, providing staff with greater awareness of how the radiation distribution will be in a work area under certain conditions can help operators to limit their exposure to radiation by avoiding, or minimising, intermissions in hot areas.

The Concept

VRdose offers the user an interactive three-dimensional virtual environment that combines a visually realistic model of a facility with 3D visualisation of measured or computed radiation levels. Based on work scenarios, interactively recorded by the user, it calculates and displays the total estimated dose for each of the participants. Geometry for the work place, manikins, or work tools and equipment can easily be reconfigured or supplemented.

VRdose provides a rapid, easily comprehensible, visual overview of the results. Its purpose is to support rapid assessment of radiation environments, and to enhance the understanding and radiation awareness of operators, decision makers and stakeholders.

The software is modular, and can be tailored by IFE to meet the specific needs of new clients and environments.

VRdose has been designed primarily for desktop PCs, but also supports stereoscopic rendering on more exotic display systems. It has been developed using Java™ and Java3D technology and therefore runs on most common operating systems.

An XML-based file format is used for radiation data, camera paths and work scenarios, while the ISO VRML97 and X3D formats are supported for 3D geometry data. The present version of VRdose communicates with a relational database for information on inventory and staff.

Credits

The VRdose has been develeloped by Halden VR Centre in cooperation with JNC.