Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulators have become crucial tools across automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries in enabling the evaluation of design concepts, testing of critical scenarios and provision of effective training in virtual environments. With the diverse applications of DIL simulators highlighting their significance in vehicle dynamics assessment, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle development, testing of complex control systems is crucial for vehicle safety. A comprehensive review of current research trends reveals key areas of focus such as realism of simulated experiences through improved vehicle dynamics models and advanced sensory feedback. The integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies help to create more immersive and informative simulations to improve the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of DIL simulation platforms.
By examining the current landscape of DIL simulator use cases, this paper critically focuses on Virtual Validation of ADAS algorithms by testing of repeatable scenarios and effect on driver response time through virtual stimuli of acoustic and optical warnings generated during simulation. To receive appropriate feedback from the driver, industrial grade actuators were integrated with a real-time controller, a high-performance workstation and simulation software called Virtual Test Drive (VTD). The real-time controller ensures that all the functionalities are running in real-time with minimal latency, thus ensuring that the driver has maximum immersion without experiencing motion sickness. The hardware used is industry grade which provides precise control and feedback during the simulation. The steering wheel can be parameterized according to the steering model of an actual vehicle by alerting the steering friction, damping and stiffness parameters. The gear shifter can be configured as Manual or Automatic gear box with different shifting patterns. The pedals can also be adjusted for height and angle as per vehicle requirements or driver comfort.
Through VTD, Euro-NCAP and custom scenarios can be precisely generated and tested in real-time by actual driver feedback. VTD is compatible with OpenDrive, OpenCRG and OpenScenario for easy integration of road networks, surfaces and scenarios across platforms. The Road Network Editor is capable of creating complex scenarios and using this feature, Euro-NCAP scenarios were created to test ADAS features such as FCW, AEB, ACC, LDW and LKA. For evaluation of these scenarios, custom APIs were developed for various ADAS features to virtually test these scenarios by continuously monitoring factors such as speed, position etc. of all participants. They also provide audio and visual warnings during critical situations. For audio/visual setup, the simulated test run inside the simulation software is projected onto a large, curved screen with the help of high-definition projectors. The simulated scene’s audio is played through a 5.1 surround-sound system. By developing an integrated solution for acquiring driver response, creation of scenarios and evaluation of control systems, this paper focuses on virtual validation of systems in a time saving and cost-effective manner.