Toyota’s driving simulator is one of the most ingenious engineering designs that I have come across lately. According to Toyota, this is the most advanced driving simulator in the world and after watching the video, I wouldn’t doubt this fact at all. It looks like straight out of science fiction and actually, I cannot wait to graduate and work on building machines like this one.
Here’s the video of how it works –
(I would really recommend watching it, but if you really don’t have the time, there is a description of how it works after the video)
The simulator houses an actual car on a platform inside of a 4.5 meters-tall and7.1 meter-wide dome. When the simulator is being operated, a 360 degree concave video screen projects computer-generated images of roads, landscape, street signs, and pedestrians (down to fine details!). The dome can tilt itself up to 25 degrees (and is also fitted with a vibrating system) and the whole platform moves itself in an x-y plane system. The combined motion of the dome and its platform lets the driver experience the real word effects of acceleration, speed, road vibrations, riding comfort and sound effects. For example, when a driver pushes on the brakes, the dome tilts forward to give the effect of stopping; when the driver turns the steering wheel to the right, the dome cocks to the right to give the feeling of turning. Toyota’s website says that the experience is so lifelike that users often need to be reminded that it is just a simulation.
What intrigued me most about this driving simulator was that it can actually replicate driving tests which are too difficult to conduct in the real world such as the effects of drowsiness, fatigue, inebriation, illness, and inattentiveness.
Because the conditions are simulated in a closely controlled environment, engineers can actually see what a driver is seeing by using technologies like ‘eye gaze measuring devices’. They can also measure maneuvers performed on the steering wheel, accelerator and brake in fine detail. In fact, the testing facility is so advanced it allows the collection of brain wave and heart rate data that can analyze a driver’s psychological and physiological state.
It’s quite surprising to know that so much is done just to ensure our safety. Apart from keeping our roads safe, I think this machine can have plenty of other uses. When I first saw this video, I was very tempted to drive in this simulator. This made me think that such machines could be used in amusement parks and gaming arcades. Apart from driving cars, this could be well modified to play other games (like the ones involving running around or flying planes). Even roller coasters could be replaced by this machine. This would provide the added advantage of being able to experience different roller coaster rides while sitting in the same place and would also make it a lot safer. Our experience of 3D movies could also be greatly enhanced using this kind of a machine (4D movies? sounds awesome to me!). I wonder if this is what the worlds future amusement parks would actually look like.
Very interesting post! I saw the commercial about this as well. I would love to test this out, but it would be really weird even simulating driving on the other side of the road.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really see the problem you saw with this technology or how you could improve it. I think amusement parks and games with this would be amazing, but how do you think they will improve upon this technology? You pointed out some great safety benefits from the driving simulator, but what would you as an engineer like to work to improve about it, given the chance? What could they change to make the simulator better for gaming or amusement parks?
I would definitely like to see them make more of these especially in different countries to see how different cultures drive. They would have to move the steering wheel, but I think American drivers are more aggressive. They could make a bigger track or include more detailed graphics to run more complicated tests. A smaller dome would work better for gaming since it would be more personal, but then the gamers' eyes might hurt after a while.
I've been on a basic roller coaster simulator in a museum and it was awesome. It was very mild, but I could see the next generation of simulators making an amazing ride.
Hey Shivam,
ReplyDeleteThis is REALLY cool. That's crazy. I hadn't heard of that before. You did a really good job describing what it does and how it works, but I don't really see where the problem with it is or how it was used differently than it was originally designed for. You mentioned what it can be used for but... yeah, it seems like you just need to take one more step and point out if there is anything you would change.
Other than that it was awesome and very nice adding the video ( I watched it), and it would definitely make an amazing roller coaster.... but I think i may still be in love with the real thing :P
HAPPY HALLOWEEN/FRIDAY!
-Amanda
The concept that you describe used by Toyota is interesting because such technology until now was almost exclusively used in aerospace applications. You gave a very good description of the use of this technology, but as others have said before me, how can it be improved? Are there issues with the current design?
ReplyDeleteAs far as its use for various driving research purposes, it is especially likely that with all the complex components, such a simulator design would benefit from a systems wide view point. For example, in the area of realism, you suggest that increased realism leads to better (more accurate) results and allows for the simulation of complex scenarios. However there is a concept often used by those who make special effects for movies called the 'uncanny valley', wherein there is a sharp drop in perceived (by the driver in this case) realism when attempts are made to make some thing more realistic but cannot quite match the real thing. What impact could this have on research results?
Your idea for using this technology for gaming and other entertainment is an interesting and perhaps very possible new application. How ever while it would provide a very good experience, there are factors of cost and actually implementation to consider also; perhaps the whole platform and surroundings might have to be downsized. Also, Again using the realism factor, a lot of the time games are exciting because the are slightly surreal, perhaps it would not be as fun if it was a true to life simulation. (unless, of course, the user really enjoyed driving or it was modified for motor sport like formula one, which most people would not get to do).
Very great blog and it is very interesting!I am so glad to see this machine!
ReplyDeleteHowever,I didn't find the problems you have and solutions.But I guess maybe your problem is how to make car safer? How to know what will the car respond when it come acroos extreme condition?How to solve problems when car meet these conditions?And solution is this car simulator which can simulates every aspects when car meet some extreme condition and solve these problems.
My question is even this simulator can perfectly simulates what will happen to the car when the car meet some extreme condition,how can this simulator simulates what will people react when meets this reaction?(People may become stupid and make low mistakes when they get some extreme conditions like put the foot on accelerate instead of brake!)
Anyway,good job!