Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The Mixed-reality Immersive Motion Simulator (""MIMS"") Facility provides the capacity to present visual and vestibular effects simulating the experience of riding on a roller coaster, flying an airplane, or moving in any other real or imaginary 3D space, by means of a full-motion (360 degree pitch and roll) cockpit with HD video and surround sound. The simulator has the capability to be customized by the participant as well as to be pre-set by an experimenter to present a certain ride experience to match a desired experimental condition. The MIMS Facility includes both full-motion and fixed-base subsystems for optimal facility utilization, with the fixed-base facility serving as preparation station as well as a secondary facility for smaller studies not requiring full motion. This mixed-reality infrastructure will enable a wide range of research programs including studies to be undertaken by the co-applicants and future collaborators from a diverse disciplines, including enhancement of amusement ride safety by anticipating rider errors, improving aircraft design through simulator trials through the design process, exploring simulated environments for education, experiential learning, rehabilitation, and play involving children and people with disabilities. Access to the MIMS Facility will open opportunities for exploration of immersive literature, new frontiers of stress research, and development of new media technology and content for the 3D era. The unifying theme of all uses of the MIMS Facility is evaluation and enhancement of human interaction with multi-media content and technology in the multi-sensory three-dimensional world. The MIMS Facility will provide Ryerson with a unique asset to complement our digital strategic mission.