Layout of a Driver‐in‐the‐Loop Simulator for Validation of Human Body Models

Abstract

AbstractIn the field of crash simulation, advanced human body models (HBMs) with muscle representation become more and more important because of their ability to emulate the behavior of real human occupants more accurately than dummy models. To get experimental validation data for these models concerning muscle activation and time‐variant stiffness properties, a low‐cost Driver‐in‐the‐Loop (DiL) simulator based on a Porsche exhibition driving simulator is implemented. Driver kinematics and muscle activation are tracked by computer stereo vision and surface electromyography (SEMG). For improved driver immersion, kinematic feedback is provided by a six DoF motion platform, a force‐feedback wheel and a bassshaker at the back of the driving seat. The DiL‐simulation is based on a Simulink model, generated by the software package PreScan, with included mathematical models of vehicles, sensors, drivers, etc. The vehicle states, available in the generated Simulink model, are used to activate the motion platform via UDP protocol. Because of the physical limitations of the platform movement, the so‐called Motion Cueing Algorithms (MCA) are necessary to emulate real driving sensation by providing motion cues which minimize the required translational platform movements.