This paper presents an overview of the Iowa Driving Simulator (IDS), including its implementation and experimental applications. The Center for Computer-Aided Design (CCAD) at The University of Iowa began developing the IDS in 1990 with primary funding from the state of Iowa and the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). The simulator utilizes a recently developed real-time multibody dynamics formulation to create high fidelity, operator-in-the-loop vehicle simulations, a large six-degree-of-freedom hexapod motion base, wide field-of-view textured graphics with directional audio sources, and several interchangeable, instrumented cabs to provide realistic cueing feedback to the driver.
Human factors issues currently being investigated by IDS researchers include experimental studies for the design and use of automated highway systems, usage of raised pavement markers for lane edge-line delineation, IVHS collision warning and roadway departure warning systems, advanced traveler information systems, performance assessment of challenged drivers, verification of driver performance in virtual environments, and more general issues of simulator fidelity and perceived realism. Two applications of the IDS are detailed: a study of Automated Highway Systems (AHS) and vehicle virtual prototyping on a virtual proving ground.