SCENARIOS PRODUCED BY PROCEDURAL METHODS FOR DRIVING RESEARCH, ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This paper discusses a procedural approach for designing and implementing driving scenarios that include controlled hazard situations. Given a capable driving simulator, the development of appropriate driving scenarios is critical to applications in research, assessment and training. The scenario definition language (SDL) for implementing this procedural approach has been defined elsewhere. This paper describes examples of scenario elements, and overall integrated scenarios that have been prepared for specific applications involving research, assessment and training objectives. The SDL procedures can be subdivided into elements for control of roadway geometry, positioning of roadside elements, atmospheric conditions, as well as placement and control of traffic control devices, interactive traffic and pedestrians. SDL procedures are also used to select, control and position performance measurement opportunities and to control external hardware equipment. The visual elements controlled by the SDL can be used to set up a range of assessment and training options. Using the curvature and side slopes of roadway geometry combined with visibility conditions, limited site distance situations can be created to obscured traffic and pedestrians or upcoming intersections and traffic control devices. The placement and timing of signals and associated traffic and pedestrians can present situation awareness problems, which require detection, risk assessment and decision making on the part of the driver. More complex situations involving merging or speed variations of adjacent traffic also present situation awareness problems to the driver.