Development of a desktop vehicle driving simulator

• Main Author: Chua, Clement Boon Woon
• Other Authors: Yap Fook Fah
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/64027
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In recent years, more disabled drivers have been medically certified for driving by undergoing ‘gaming therapy’ in TTSH through the use of a racing game. However, racing games do not simulate and hence not representative of regular on-road driving. In addition, existing medical literatures suggesting that medical examinations for elderly drivers were not good indicators of road safety prompted the development of a low-cost, purpose built driving simulator for training, evaluation and rehabilitation purposes. A literature review of existing simulator hardware available on the market was undertaken, as well as a comparison of two driving simulator software – CarSim 8.2.2 and UC-win/Road Driving Simulator version 10. A study was also carried out to select suitable upgrade components for an existing driving simulator in NTU. This report details the creation of a virtual representation of a local environment in both CarSim and UC-Win/Road, and also the choices of hardware components for the upgraded simulator. Initial testing with a partially upgraded version of the driving simulator showed that the simulator was able to provide sufficient performance and immersion. The level of immersion, however, could be further improved with hardware revisions.