Critical
feedback based on fast moving visuals at General Motors’ Research Driving
Simulator is helping advanced technology developers study how drivers interact
with Super Cruise, the semi-automated driving system. This
system could be in Cadillac models later this decade.
According to
a company statement, the upgrades to the simulator provide realistic road feel
and responsiveness to driver actions, reducing the feeling of disorientation
associated with driving simulators, particularly during low-speed maneuvers.
A 360-degree
high-definition projection screen integrated with a 2-terabyte-per-second image
generator allows visuals to dynamically respond to steering and pedal force
inputs within 70 milliseconds.
These enhancements let Super Cruise
developers measure driver control interactions, eye-glance behavior, and evaluate
driver approaches before full system vehicles are available.
“Simulator testing
helps our vehicle teams understand the consequences of design decisions quickly
and early in the development cycle when it is cost effective to do so,” said John
Capp, director of GM Electrical,
Controls and Active Safety Research, adding that “Ultimately,
the work done here enables the rapid development of sophisticated systems like
Super Cruise and leads to improved driving experiences for our customers.”
The system can
load vehicle concept designs and integrate new prototype controls in the test
vehicle with minimum programming or preparation. Suppliers also can load their models
to test some vehicle control subsystems before building them.
Advanced driver assistance and safety
features will play an increasingly important role in keeping drivers alert during
semi-automated driving, Capp said. The system is
designed to ease the driver’s workload on freeways only, in bumper-to-bumper
traffic and on long road trips, but driver attention is still required.
Traffic crash
data seems to suggest a need for automated driving systems. According to the
National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, human error causes more
than 90pc of all crashes, a figure that could be lowered with widespread use of
automated driving systems.
Source: GM, USA