Development of VR simulator to evaluate driving skill based on cognitive and manipulative behavior indicator

Abstract

This study proposes a new driving skill improvement support system based on driving skill evaluation. This research can be roughly divided into two phases. First phase is to establish an objective skill evaluation model. Second phase is to verify effects of the support system for driving skill improvement. In this paper, we focus on the first phase. We evaluate driving skill judging from driving behavior performance, driver’s head motion and gazing point. We basically implement experiments by using a VR driving simulator as a tool to get behavioral and cognitive data. The simulator is made close to a real vehicle environment as much as possible. Next year, we are going to develop the system that drivers are naturally encouraged to improve their skill through auditory and haptic feedback.