Systems Evaluation and Driver Behavior Studies

DRI has both moving base and fixed base, research grade, driving simulators.

These driving simulators are used to support the development or evaluation of vehicle systems, to study driver behavior and human factors (HF) issues in various driving situations, or to investigate the effects of roadway and traffic factors on driver response and performance.

DRI can help investigate or resolve human factors and human-machine-interface (HMI) issues using our state of the art driving simulators. DRI has experienced HF and simulator staff to conduct driver behavior studies, including project planning, experimental design, scenario development, participant recruitment, testing, analysis, and reporting.

Both simulators are available for use and DRI staff will work with clients to conduct driver behavior studies. Further details are available upon request to Dean Chiang, .

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Simulator Design and Development

DRI provides engineering design, development and operational support services for customized driving simulators for clients. Simulators are specified and designed based on a review of customer requirements and budget factors, and take into account growth paths for evolving capabilities. DRI services include:

• Functional requirements definition and analysis based on client needs
• Development of simulator specifications based on requirements and budget
• Facility design and layout
• Software development
• System integration and test
• Operational support

DRI-developed software, in regular use on the DRI Driving Simulator, is also available for licensing. This software includes:

• Vehicle models
• Visual scene run-time rendering
• Audio cueing * Motion cueing
• Scenario creation and run-time execution
• Operator’s console software
• Roadway, traffic and cultural features graphic databases

Further details are available upon request to Ron Wagner, .

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DRI also has a Fixed Based Driving Simulator (pictured left). This simulator is fully compatible with the software and graphics of the Motion Base Simulator, and can be used in studies that do not require the advanced cueing capabilities of the Motion Base Simulator. It has a 330 degree forward field of view and a fully instrumented cab with steering loader. It is designed to be used with any off-the-street or prototype vehicle as a cab, requiring only minimal modifications to adapt the vehicle to the simulator.