Analysis of man-man-machine interaction in complex virtual environment in context of psychophysical state

Purpose: The aim of the article is to propose the studies and analyses schema considering the psychophysical state of the simulator's users. Within the project a simulator and a virtual environment that allow a group of people (e.g. security guard officers) with real equipment such as cars to train different scenarios are built. The simulator users are interacting both with other colleagues and virtual surroundings. It implies that classical methods of so-called simulator sickness measurement should be adopted to the type of interaction that we call man-man-machine interaction. Design/methodology/approach: Simulator sickness that manifests itself in physiological ailments is considered in an interdisciplinary approach with particular emphasis on psychological aspects such as coping with stress, anxiety or cognitive and visual techniques related to the combined static and dynamic platforms. The main methods for the research are psychological Paper-and-Pencil surveys, eye-tracking technics, postural equilibrium tests, Poppelreuter test and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Findings: The result is studies and analyses schema related to the simulator users’ psychophysical state appearing in the project ‘Virtual Simulator of Actions of the Polish Government Protection Office’. Research limitations/implications: The research is limited to simulators specified in purpose section. Practical implications: It is anticipated that more accurate selection of individuals for security services will be possible through the use of the proposed research and diagnostic methods and analysis of the results obtained. Social implications: It is provided that more specific choice of people for security services will result in better training of the staff, an increase of the sense of security of the protected people as well as their quality of life. Originality/value: The novelty of the article is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of simulator sickness which takes into account physiological, psychological, social (group work) and technical (type of simulator) aspects.