Dynamic Driving Simulators

Abstract

Depending on the application, different concepts for driving simulators have been realized. A quite common dynamic driving simulator concept for professional applications, i.e., a motion platform consisting of a hexapod based on a linear rail, is explained in detail. Using Daimler's dynamic simulator as an example, the essential technological components of driving simulators are explained and the potentials and limitations due to the sensitivity of the human vestibular organ are discussed. Reasons for simulator sickness and how to avoid it complete the part on simulator design.A second focus is placed on the design of simulator experiments with test persons. A clear goal of the simulation experiment, a good choice of technical and psychological test design, and knowledge about the behavior of test persons help set up effective driving simulator tests. Driver distraction is an essential feature to simulate the complete scope of real accident situations and to assess the behavior of a representative set of test persons.The factors affecting the validity of simulator experiments compared to real-world experiments are discussed, and some findings on the opportunities and limitations of simulator experiments are presented.1 General Overview of Driving Simulators Applications of Driving SimulatorsDriving simulators are used widely in the automotive industry and in automotive research institutions for many diverse applications, in particular for the following usages (in the order of rising requirements with respect to realism of motion rendering):-Functional vehicle demonstrations, advertising new vehicle functions (demos at auto shows) -Investigations into cabin, display, and control concepts (assessing reachability, clarity, comprehensibility, etc.) -Training for drivers (of emergency vehicles, for fuel-saving driving style, race tracks, etc.) -Accident research (accident reconstructions, driver behavior analyses, etc.) -Study of driver performance and development of driver models (with respect to tiredness, attention, responsiveness, etc.) as a basis for off-line simulations -Testing and verification of driver assistance systems (effectiveness, controllability, statistical analyses, etc.) -Development of chassis systems and vehicle dynamics control systems (analysis of variants, parameter tuning, etc.).All these applications focus on the interaction of human drivers with a vehicle's technical systems, especially in challenging driving situations (with respect to other traffic participants, obstacles, dangers,