THE APPLICATION OF 3D VISUAL INTERACTIVE DRIVE SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY TO SAFER ROAD DESIGN

摘要

This paper explores the application of 3D Visual Interactive Drive Simulation technology andvirtual driving trials, to the design of a tunnelled highway junction in Tokyo, Japan. A 5-paneled virtual reality driving simulator allowed for road plans to be experienced from adriver’s perspective in a 3D real-time interactive environment. Surveys from subjects drivingin the virtual environment, as well as behavioural information extracted from the scenarios,were used to assess the visibility of signs, road markings, guidance information, andevacuation routes. Results of the driving experiments show that only 20% of driversobserved proposed wall markings, 72% understood exit directions associated with particularcolours, 50% noticed overhead traffic notices and 22% of drivers slowed upon observingwarnings of upcoming traffic congestion. Surveys also determined that sign lettering shouldbe made larger, and road markings a lighter blue. Finally, the effectiveness of the 3D VisualInteractive Simulation virtual reality tool for assisting with signage design and safetyassessment is analyzed. Future directions for research and further practical applications forvirtual trials are presented.