TRI 2006 Research Program Research Initiation (RI Award): A Realistic Driving Simulator Based on Parallel Computing
Project Award Date: 08-18-2006
Description
Driving simulators have long been useful tools for teaching and evaluating drivers. Some companies even use simulators to measure the performance and/or test the abilities of automobiles. Most of the highly realistic simulators are multimillion-dollar devices and used primarily for research purposes. Consequently, most of the cost-effective driving simulators that exist for public use produce a crude approximation of reality. They do not provide an accurate simulation for training or evaluation due to limitation in hardware and software.
Parallel computers present a promising alternative for creating realistic driving simulations. With the increasing availability and decreasing price of multiprocessor computers, parallel computing is becoming a feasible option for creating cost-effective, yet powerful computers. However, in order for simulator software to take full advantage of parallel computing, new types of driving simulation software must be developed. ITTC research will design and develop a prototype parallel driving simulator, which will be a cost-effective and highly realistic tool for the training and evaluation of drivers.
Investigators
Faculty Investigator(s): Arvin Agah (PI)
Student Investigator(s): Jason Stewart
Project Sponsors
Primary Sponsor(s): KU Transportation Research Institute (TRI)
