Driving simulator with realistic simulation of glare effects
Abstract
System to enable realistic driving simulations by using movable dazzle devices.
Background
Simulators, especially vehicle simulators, are used for education and training purposes, for testing the driving ability of persons or for testing electronic assistance systems under reproducible and realistic conditions.
Problem
In conventional driving simulators, the driving scene is usually displayed by means of projection through a projection system (for example, a beamer) on a screen or canvas. While traffic and hazardous situations can be reproduced well here, there is as yet no way of realistically simulating glare effects from headlights of oncoming vehicles. Accordingly, the glare effects in current simulations are poorly designed and do not reflect the real situation.
Solution
Scientists at Aalen University of Applied Sciences have developed a device and the associated process for generating realistic glare effects for vehicle simulators. A glare device is used which is compact enough not to disturb the projection, but at the same time is capable of adequately reproducing the radiation surface and luminous intensity of a vehicle headlamp in the simulation. According to the invention, arrangements of LEDs are used here which can be controlled individually or in groups and regulated in steps. This makes it possible to simulate a physically and physiologically correct glare as well as, by means of suitable filters, correct and precise color temperatures, luminous intensities and radiation areas of real vehicle headlights in certain distance ranges. In addition, the glare source can be moved in horizontal and/or vertical direction by means of a rail or rope robot system. The glare source is thus moved synchronously with the movement of the vehicle headlights, thus achieving a realistic simulation of the glare effects. A driving simulator equipped with the glare device according to the invention can be used to investigate the night driving suitability of test subjects, as well as for training and education purposes and for testing assistance systems. In addition to classic vehicle simulators for road traffic, the system is also suitable in principle for simulators in the fields of rail transport, aerospace and shipping.
![Image from the driving simulator with a view of the driving simulation. The headlights of the oncoming vehicle are simulated realistically by means of movable glare sources. [Image: Aalen University of Applied Sciences]](/fileadmin/user_upload/img/Technologieangebote/17_050TLB_Sicht_auf_Fahrsimulation.png "Image from the driving simulator with a view of the driving simulation. The headlights of the oncoming vehicle are simulated realistically by means of movable glare sources. [Image: Aalen University of Applied Sciences]")
Image from the driving simulator with a view of the driving simulation. The headlights of the oncoming vehicle are simulated realistically by means of movable glare sources. [Image: Aalen University of Applied Sciences]
![Glare source consisting of individual LEDs. [Image: Aalen University of Applied Sciences]](/fileadmin/user_upload/img/Technologieangebote/17_050TLB_Blendquelle.jpg "Glare source consisting of individual LEDs. [Image: Aalen University of Applied Sciences]")
Advantages
- Realistic simulation of glare effects in darkness in driving simulators
- Simple, compact and flexible design
- Light intensity, color temperatures and radiation areas individually adjustable
- Mobility of the glare device enables realistic simulation
- Applicable for different simulations, e.g. vehicles, airplanes, ships
- Also suitable for testing assistance systems
Fields of application
Applicable for simulations of road traffic as well as in the field of aerospace, rail traffic and shipping.
Publikationen und Verweise
A driving simulator as a tool for benchmarking optical lenses. Judith Ungewiss, Michael Wörner, Ulrich Schiefer. In MAFO – Ophthalmic Labs & Industry, 21.09.2020