Off-Road Driving Simulation: Design for a Moving Base Simulator

摘要

A driving simulator was designed which is suitable for conducting man-in-loop off-road mobility research (ORMR). Two definition studies were carried out in the development of the simulator and are presented in this report. One study had as its objective the establishment of the specifications for a motion simulator. The feasibility of the best of several motion platform design concepts was demonstrated by the construction of a working scale model motion platform. The other study was concerned with the definition of a visual simulator, including the evaluation of the applicability of presently used techniques and the recommendation of a particular simulator concept. The ORMR simulator concept is a combination of both programmed and unprogrammed visual display sources. The programmed source, either video tape or film, allows regulation of speed along the route, but little control of the route. The unprogrammed source, provided by a model terrain board, allows both regulation of speed and control over route selection. These two display sources, when combined with a three degree-of-freedom motion platform, and a real-time computer-based vehicle dynamics model, will provide a research tool suitable for precise and relatively inexpensive investigation of a wide variety of important off-road driving problems. (Author)