Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator
Improving Driver Safety…
Operating a vehicle safely requires a high level of consciousness and concentration. It only takes a moment of distraction from a cell phone or the onset of drowsiness to impair a driver’s responsiveness and reaction speed. Research is critical in evaluating the effects of lapses in concentration and developing methods to improve alertness behind the wheel; however, it is difficult and dangerous to test these disruptions on the road. Eye-Com Corporation has created the Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator which presents realistic driving scenarios in a laboratory setting to observe the effects of different conditions that may compromise a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
A Realistic Driving Experience…
The Dodge Ram 5200 truck cab of the Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator is complete with automatic transmission, gas and brake pedals to control speed, and a speedometer to display actual simulated driving speed. The driver behind the wheel can control lane position using the steering system that includes a torque motor to imitate power steering resistance.
Through the windshield, the driver views realistic visual scenes displayed on three 6.5 foot panoramic projection screens. As the driver navigates through the simulated scenarios developed by Realtime Technologies, Inc. and Systems Technology Inc., they experience auditory and environmental sounds including engine noise, wind, tire screech, siren, and accident and crash sounds.
A Safe Testing Environment…
The Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator permits researchers to test driver conditions without jeopardizing the safety of the driver, passengers, or other vehicles. Technicians can view the entire drive scene on LCD screens installed in the observation area while each drive simulation session is in progress. The drive simulation is controlled by three linked computers that project using a wide, 135 degree field-of-view.
The Eye-Com EC7T™ eye tracking system can be synchronized in real-time with the Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator. It captures various oculometric parameters, such as gaze direction, that can be combined with other physiological measures and video feeds from three cameras installed within the Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator cab. Information can be provided about the driver’s states, such as fatigue, drowsiness, distraction and inattention.
The Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator is a versatile testing environment with the following capabilities:
- Research (drowsiness detection, effects of inattention/distraction, etc.)
- Testing for fitness or ability to safely operate a vehicle
- Clinical rehabilitation (patients with mild dementia, stroke victims, etc.)
- Gathering of oculometric data when used in conjunction with the EC7T™
Conducting driving-related or clinical studies?
Find out how the Eye-Com Lab Drive Simulator is perfect for your research needs.