Driving simulators have several applications, ranging from rehabilitation to training, and its quality depend in its capabilities to accurately replicate the sensations of real-world driving. One crucial aspect is the simulation of motion sensation, often addressed with the use of a moving platform. However, in most of the cases, the limitations of the dynamic platform do not allow to reproduce entirely the linear acceleration that the drivers should experience. To address this limitation, some solutions incorporate haptic feedback to increase the fidelity of the simulator, such as actuated belts seat that are useful to reproduce deacceleration. This thesis focuses on the design and implementation of an experimental setup dedicated to elevating the immersive experiences in driving simulators. This solution consists in applying a controlled force on the driver's head, facilitated by a collaborative robot that delivers haptic feedback to obtain a rich perception of self-motion. The primary objective is to reproduce low frequency component of the linear acceleration by exerting a force on the head of the user equal to the head inertial force during real car driving. The final aim of this project is merging the mention solution with the dynamic platform driving simulator to improve the user motion sensation by combining the stimulation of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. This experimental configuration holds promise for a diverse array of virtual reality applications where motion sensations play a pivotal role. In conclusion, this thesis extensively discusses hardware, security, and design considerations, supported by the presentation of a proof-of-concept prototype crafted with precision 3D printing using ABS plastic material. Furthermore, the results of tests conducted on the devised experimental setup are examined. Keywords: Virtual reality, Simulation, Haptic feedback, Proprioceptive cues, Collaborative robot, ABS plastic.
Driving simulators have several applications, ranging from rehabilitation to training, and its quality depend in its capabilities to accurately replicate the sensations of real-world driving. One crucial aspect is the simulation of motion sensation, often addressed with the use of a moving platform. However, in most of the cases, the limitations of the dynamic platform do not allow to reproduce entirely the linear acceleration that the drivers should experience. To address this limitation, some solutions incorporate haptic feedback to increase the fidelity of the simulator, such as actuated belts seat that are useful to reproduce deacceleration. This thesis focuses on the design and implementation of an experimental setup dedicated to elevating the immersive experiences in driving simulators. This solution consists in applying a controlled force on the driver's head, facilitated by a collaborative robot that delivers haptic feedback to obtain a rich perception of self-motion. The primary objective is to reproduce low frequency component of the linear acceleration by exerting a force on the head of the user equal to the head inertial force during real car driving. The final aim of this project is merging the mention solution with the dynamic platform driving simulator to improve the user motion sensation by combining the stimulation of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. This experimental configuration holds promise for a diverse array of virtual reality applications where motion sensations play a pivotal role. In conclusion, this thesis extensively discusses hardware, security, and design considerations, supported by the presentation of a proof-of-concept prototype crafted with precision 3D printing using ABS plastic material. Furthermore, the results of tests conducted on the devised experimental setup are examined. Keywords: Virtual reality, Simulation, Haptic feedback, Proprioceptive cues, Collaborative robot, ABS plastic.
Una configurazione sperimentale per migliorare l'esperienza coinvolgente nel simulatore di guida esercitando un carico sulla testa del conducente.
MURALI KISHORE, SAI KIRAN
2022/2023
Abstract
Driving simulators have several applications, ranging from rehabilitation to training, and its quality depend in its capabilities to accurately replicate the sensations of real-world driving. One crucial aspect is the simulation of motion sensation, often addressed with the use of a moving platform. However, in most of the cases, the limitations of the dynamic platform do not allow to reproduce entirely the linear acceleration that the drivers should experience. To address this limitation, some solutions incorporate haptic feedback to increase the fidelity of the simulator, such as actuated belts seat that are useful to reproduce deacceleration. This thesis focuses on the design and implementation of an experimental setup dedicated to elevating the immersive experiences in driving simulators. This solution consists in applying a controlled force on the driver's head, facilitated by a collaborative robot that delivers haptic feedback to obtain a rich perception of self-motion. The primary objective is to reproduce low frequency component of the linear acceleration by exerting a force on the head of the user equal to the head inertial force during real car driving. The final aim of this project is merging the mention solution with the dynamic platform driving simulator to improve the user motion sensation by combining the stimulation of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. This experimental configuration holds promise for a diverse array of virtual reality applications where motion sensations play a pivotal role. In conclusion, this thesis extensively discusses hardware, security, and design considerations, supported by the presentation of a proof-of-concept prototype crafted with precision 3D printing using ABS plastic material. Furthermore, the results of tests conducted on the devised experimental setup are examined. Keywords: Virtual reality, Simulation, Haptic feedback, Proprioceptive cues, Collaborative robot, ABS plastic.È consentito all'utente scaricare e condividere i documenti disponibili a testo pieno in UNITESI UNIPV nel rispetto della licenza Creative Commons del tipo CC BY NC ND.
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14239/16737