The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has developed a blind spot simulator rig which utilises virtual reality (VR) to help improve the design of truck cabs and road layouts, as well as aiding accident investigations.
The system is based on a physical rig developed and calibrated by TRL in collaboration with the truck manufacturer Volvo, to give an accurate representation of direct vision from a Volvo vehicle cab.
The calibrated rig allows all combinations of seat and steering wheel adjustments available in a real vehicle to be accurately replicated for each driver.
The VR experience is also reconfigured for each driver to reflect their physical dimensions and individual seating position, to create an accurate replication of what they would see when driving the actual vehicle.
TRL says this approach ‘stands in contrast to a traditional VR experience, where a camera is randomly placed within a scene in the hope that a rough representation of the vision is provided’.
Ceki Erginbas, senior researcher at TRL, said: “VR technology is increasingly being used throughout the industry to create immersive visual experiences.
“However, immersion or high-quality computer graphics does not necessarily mean accuracy.
“We wanted to take VR technology one step further than just a visually appealing experience, and create a scientific tool for virtual testing.
“With this calibrated system, we can accurately test new vehicles or road environment designs, without the need to physically build them. We can also accurately recreate traffic accidents, from the viewpoint of different people located at the scene.
“By offering this unique virtual testing system, not only are we aiming to improve safety for vulnerable road users, but also to help reduce costs for designers, contractors and manufacturers, as they can detect vision problems early in the design stage; saving them from high reconstruction costs.”
Categories: Vehicles & technology.
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