Predictive Value of Assessing Vehicle Interior Design Ergonomics in a Virtual Environment

Abstract

The predictive value and the reliability of evaluations made in immersive projection environments are limited when compared to the real world. As in other applications of numerical simulations, the acceptance of such techniques does not only depend on the stability of the methods, but also on the quality and credibility of the results obtained. In this paper, we investigate the predictive value of virtual reality and virtual environments when used for engineering assessment tasks. We examine the ergonomics evaluation of a vehicle interior, which is a complex activity relying heavily on know-how gained from personal experience, and compare performance in a VE with performance in the real world. If one assumes that within complex engineering processes certain types of work will be performed by more or less the same personnel, one can infer that a fairly consistent base of experience-based knowledge exists. Under such premises and if evaluations are conducted as comparisons within the VE, we believe that the reliability of the assessments is suitable for conceptual design work. Despite a number of unanswered questions at this time we believe this study leads to a better understanding of what determines the reliability of results obtained in virtual environments, thus making it useful for optimizing virtual prototyping processes and better utilization of the potential of VR and VEs in company work processes.

Future directions for the development of virtual reality within an automotive manufacturer

“…Dynamic, fixed-based simulators have been found to have good relative validity for lane keeping in driving tasks (Reed and Green, 1999). VR has been reported as a suitable tool for evaluating design alternatives (Lawson and Burnett, In press); it is often considered to give greater relative validity than absolute validity (Reuding and Meil, 2004;Naghiyev and Sharples, in press). Eye tracking (and lane deviation) are standard measures of driver distraction (e.g.…”

Robust Truck Cabin Layout Optimization Using Advanced Driver Variance Models

“…Virtual environments have progressed and are being used for conceptual layouts. They are, however, insufficient for more refined ergonomics assessments [4].…”

The use of virtual reality and physical tools in the development and validation of ease of entry and exit in passenger vehicles

“…In addition to depth perception issues, this conflict can lead to visual discomfort or simulator sickness (Chen et al, 2014;Häkkinen et al, 2006;IJsselsteijn et al, 2000). The use of CAVEs has been analysed in a number of applications including driving simulators (Kim et al, 2005;Mollenhauer et al, 2005) and other aspects of automotive ergonomics including reach and visibility (Reuding & Meil, 2004). Reuding and Meil (2004) conducted a study to investigate the reliability of the CAVE for in-vehicle reach and visual task performance by comparing data against those obtained from a physical buck.…”

“…The use of CAVEs has been analysed in a number of applications including driving simulators (Kim et al, 2005;Mollenhauer et al, 2005) and other aspects of automotive ergonomics including reach and visibility (Reuding & Meil, 2004). Reuding and Meil (2004) conducted a study to investigate the reliability of the CAVE for in-vehicle reach and visual task performance by comparing data against those obtained from a physical buck. They concluded that to obtain reliable results the CAVE must be used as a comparative tool, i.e.…”

“…Ergonomists have previously been criticised for accepting a method too readily without considering its merits (Annett, 2000). Other criteria include utility, resources and system stability (Reuding & Meil, 2004) which are important to the success of any method.…”