Like a computer game, the interactive software program recreates an underground mine environment by projecting an "immersive" film in two theatre modes - a 360-degree 'AVIE' version for group training, and a 180-degree 'iDOME' for individual training sessions.

The agreement will see UNSW supply four 360-degree AVIE theatres and 12 iDOMES delivered to Mines Rescue at four purpose built VR training sites across NSW.

Coal Services provides critical services to the NSW coal mining industry in occupational health and safety, workers' compensation, welfare and mines rescue.

Comprising five training modules that simulate three-dimensional mine conditions, the VR training package is tailored to address core competencies required for Australian mine worker accreditation.

Viewers navigate the virtual mine by using a joystick and touch screen as the software presents a series of simulated underground emergency drills, including unaided self escape, hazard awareness, rib and roof stability, and truck and shovel operations.
 
The program provides continuous feedback to users about their decisions so they cannot "escape" from the mine until they make all the correct decisions.

"There is no question that these technologies have the potential to save lives," says UNSW's Dr Phil Stothard who led the software's development.

"It's a useful teaching tool that helps train and assess miners about safe work procedures before they're exposed to the real mine environment,"

Dr Stothard says similar safety training packages could be developed for high-risk industries such as construction, policing and the military.

Commenting on the deal, Coal Services Chairman, Ron Land says: "Our role is to save lives. This technology enables us to teach and retrain new and experienced miners safe work procedures in a virtual mine before they are exposed to the hazards of a real mine environment."

UNSW has been demonstrating the software theatre package to others in the mining sector, including BHP and BlueScope Steel.

In September, it will showcase at AIMEX, Asia's biggest mining technology, equipment and services trade show.

The novel AVIE and iDOME theatres were developed by the iCinema Centre for Interactive Research, which is a joint venture between UNSW's College of Fine Arts and the School of Computer Science and Engineering.

AVIE is a 120 square metre space enclosed within a 4m-high, 10m-diameter circular screen that provides an immersive 3-D virtual reality cinema experience.

It is driven by seven computers, 12 high-resolution digital video projectors and a 16-channel spatialised audio system.

The smaller iDOME is offers a compact cost-effective cinema environment for individuals. It is configured as a four-metre diameter fibreglass hemisphere that stands vertically in front of the viewer, with a single high-definition projector, a computer, surround audio equipment and a user interface.

The development of the AVIE and iDOME theatres was initiated by the Director of iCinema, Professor Jeffrey Shaw, an ARC Federation Fellow.

iCinema offers the opportunity to create interactive "immersive" cinema experiences for audiences that will change the way audiences view and relate to cinema.

"Interactive cinema is a form of cinema that integrates all forms of media in an intelligent narrative landscape, allowing the audience to interact with and become part of the cinematic experience," says iCinema's' Chairman and Queen Elizabeth II Fellow, Dr Dennis Del Favero.

"It plunges audiences into an 'immersive reality' where there are no barriers between the virtual and the physical, and where narrative is created spontaneously and cooperatively."

Professor Shaw is committed to the principle of artistic research leading industrial innovation: "As artists we search for enhanced modalities of communication and experience, and our achievements are of universal value. The interdisciplinary team at iCinema embodies a fusion of creative, scientific and technical skills."

Professor Shaw says that Coal Services is being visionary in adopting iCinema's technologies to enhance the effectiveness of mine safety training.

"AVIE and iDOME are world leading Australian innovations. Coal Services has recognized their unique capabilities and are setting a precedent that other industrial sectors can follow."