TTI STEPS INTO THE WORLD OF SIMULATION

Driving simulators across the country, including the one being developed by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), are capitalizing on the technology computer game programmers have created. TTI's Human Factors Program will use a PC-based driving simulator that emulates external factors such as the time of day, tree-filled or treeless medians, and the color or size of passing vehicles. The simulator incorporates four computers, three projection units, three projection screens, and a specially adapted 1995 Saturn sedan to create its realistic driving environment. Safety is the main advantage of a simulated experiment over a real-world experiment. In addition to safety, a PC-based simulator is a low-cost alternative to other simulators that use Silicon Graphics Interface (SGI) systems. The cost of an SGI system can range from $50,000 to $75,000, while four high-end PCs cost approximately $10,000. Although the PC-based system is less expensive, quality is not compromised. In fact, the level of both performance and graphics is similar to an SGI system. TTI's simulator will be prepared for research operation by late Fall 1999.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1587330
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Page Range: pp 5, 10
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011
• Authors:
  • Manser, M
• Publication Date: 1999-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 2 p.
• Serial:
  • Texas Transportation Researcher
  • Volume: 35
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Texas Transportation Institute
  • ISSN: 0040-4748

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer graphics; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Driving simulators; Human factors; Personal computers; Safety; Simulation
• Identifier Terms: Texas Transportation Institute
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00792402
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 22 2000 12:00AM