A High Performance/Low-Cost Mini Driving Simulator Alternative for Human Factor Studies

Abstract

Nowadays, thanks to the improvement of PC technology, it is possible to design high quality visual loop at low cost. Since human factor studies implies a minimal ecological immersion, the direct use of ultra low-cost game hardware is not acceptable: the ergonomics of the driving cab and the cues of the various controls (steering-wheel, pedals, gearbox if any...) are insufficiently realistic. Driving simulators have been used for some years for initial training. Many car driving simulators have been designed for that particular purpose. The cab is often representative of an actual one and cues are sometimes acceptable. This kind of tools could be used for research purpose. Unfortunately they are not open to any modification (models, databases, scenarii...) and thus do not allow to undergo experiments. Based upon, in the one hand, INRETS experience in simulator architecture design for human factors studies, and, on the second hand, FAROS experience in the design of low-cost driving simulators for training purpose, our new tool is a good compromise between performance and cost. It is dedicated mainly to research studies. This tool uses FAROS hardware (driving cab) and INRETS electronics and software. A particular emphasis has been put on the development of a haptic feedback steering-wheel . The aim is to help the driver on the fixed-base simulator, thus without any kinestesic feedback, to drive the virtual model. Two modes have been implemented. The first one, based upon a car dynamic model, uses virtual reality techniques coming from teleoperation domain. The second one mixes the previous one with a lane-keeping model. In this paper we introduce the architecture of the simulator and describe the designed steering-wheel haptic feedback system. Then we discuss the various possible uses of the tool. We conclude with perspectives in terms of development. Results of an experiment are also presented.