The Southampton University Driving Simulator laboratory (SUDS), comprises a static Land Rover Discovery Sport and a 135° field of view system utilising three forward projectors.
Door mirrors are simulated using mini LCD monitors and a rear projection screen allows natural usage of the rear view mirror. Sound is provided by sending sound from simulation software directly into the cars audio system. The vehicle controls are fully functional; in-house developed software allows both primary (steering, throttle, brake) and secondary (buttons and switches) control inputs to be interpreted directly from the vehicle’s CAN (Controller Area Network), and sent to simulation software. A secondary application also sends the data to a Windows game controller driver, allowing the car to generate outputs that can be easily sent to any software that accepts controller inputs.
The car’s internal cluster is functional, showing RPM and Speed, this can be replaced with a Windows tablet when investigating HMI design, providing a completely customisable solution. The lab is self-contained featuring a separate control room, via which the simulation can be controlled and monitored through in vehicle mounted webcams. The footage and audio from these cameras can also be used in studies of driver behaviour.
Two simulation software packages are currently installed, STISim Drive® and rFpro. STISim provides a powerful and adaptable tool for human factors research. It allows a high degree of customisation, providing the ability to design all forms of road environment and specify the behaviour of AI cars, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians using scripting. It generates a wide range of data on driving performance, such as vehicle speed, lane position and headway. rFpro is a high fidelity driving simulator with a wide range of functionality including vehicle dynamics analysis, ADAS testing and driver training. It features high definition laser scanned versions of real roads to provide an immersive driving experience.
For further information, please contact Prof. Neville Stanton