Effect of Driving Simulation Parameters Related to Ego-Motion on Speed Perception

Abstract

Summary:The overall effectiveness of driving simulation as a research tool is linked to how accurately modern technology can model reality. The objective of this project was to conduct a driving simulator experiment to examine the perceptual and behavioral effects of various parameters of the simulation deemed relevant from theories of ego motion. Twenty drivers completed speed production tasks (absolute production, fixed-increase production, and ratio production) while driving through a rural road scenario that was experienced under varied conditions of motion, field of view, and optic flow. The study concluded that field of view (FOV) and optic flow simulation parameters were significant to the perception of absolute speed, with high levels of each resulting in more accurate perception of speed and speed change (acceleration/deceleration). The results of this study will allow researchers to consider the relative importance of simulation parameters in designing future behavioral research pertaining to speed perception using driving simulators.