Rikei Corporation (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”) is pleased to announce that it has developed a VR Earthquake Experience System linking virtual reality (VR) video with an earthquake simulation vehicle (hereinafter, “simulator truck”), and this system has been adopted by the Nerima City Office in Tokyo.

Background to introduction

Recent forecasts have suggested there is a 70% chance of a powerful earthquake (magnitude 7) striking Tokyo in the next thirty years, and local governments have been taking a number of disaster preparedness measures. One of these measures is simulator trucks that simulate seismic motion. VR video can be linked to the shaking inside the simulator truck to reproduce a close-to-real-life experience including the injuries and damage caused by falling furniture or objects. However, there have been problems when actually operating the system, such as the difficulty of synchronizing the simulated motion and the VR video.

To solve this, Rikei has developed a mechanism eliminating the lag between the vibrations and the VR video by starting the VR video in conjunction with the start button of the simulator truck’s simulation. Further, Rikei has succeeded in making its VR Earthquake Experience System capable of controlling multiple VR goggles simultaneously. With these features, the system is able to provide an experience that is even more realistic and expected to make the improving of many people’s awareness of disaster preparedness easier. These achievements have resulted in the Nerima City Office’s adoption of the system.

Features

Controlled by buttons operating the simulator truck

This system features a start button on the simulator truck that is linked with the VR video. Operators are able to start or stop the VR video through the simulator truck’s control buttons.

More than one adult and/or child is able to experience the simulation at the same time

Rikei has developed a system that makes it possible to control multiple sets of goggles for both adults (age 13 or older) and children simultaneously. This makes it possible to provide the experience to users of any age.

Note: The VR goggles for children were independently developed by Rikei, in consideration of their use.

Fusion of the simulator truck movement and VR video

The VR video content enables users to experience three live-action scenarios (kitchen/dining room, school classroom, and outdoors). After the simulation is over, users can watch a video that helps them achieve a better understanding of the actions they need to take in an earthquake and the measures that are necessary to prepare in advance. It is also possible to create original content linked with the simulator truck.

Note: The VR video content is provided by Aska Motor Industry Inc. which has been involved in the development of the simulator truck.

Future development

In the future, Rikei plans to expand its content lineup by, for example, enabling the system to simulate not only earthquakes but also fires or floods, which it has been developing, for the simulator truck.

In addition, this system has been built to enable simulations to be held outside the simulator truck. Therefore, it can be used in many environments and can combine VR goggles with tablets and other devices. Rikei continues to propose solutions that incorporate its cutting-edge digital technologies, including VR, to public offices.

About  Rikei

Rikei offers a wide variety of solutions centered on the world’s cutting edge technologies and advanced products in the fields of system solutions, such as entrance exam and educational affairs systems and IT infrastructure, business strategy, and information security solutions. It also provides network solutions, such as satellite communication data transfer systems, digital video transfer systems, network systems for telecommunication operators and other private companies, wireless access systems, and disaster management information systems. In addition to solutions, Rikei provides electronic components and devices, such as high frequency components, high performance adhesives for industrial use, testers for automotive audio and navigation equipment, power grid analysis systems, defense-related machinery and security systems.

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