The development of a hardware- and software-based simulation platform for the training of driver candidates

Abdullah ÇAVUŞOĞLU; İsmail KURNAZ

Article Details

The development of a hardware- and software-based simulation platform for the training of driver candidates

Authors:

Abdullah ÇAVUŞOĞLU | İsmail KURNAZ

Publisher:

TUBITAK

Journal:

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2013 Vol.21 Issue 1, pp.131-143

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2012

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2000743387

Frequency:

Bimonthly

eISSN:

1303-6203

pISSN:

1300-0632

Abstract:

 

In this study, a traffic simulation system (TSS) to provide  novice driver candidates with opportunities for training and testing  has been developed.  Autonomous vehicles that follow the flow of  traffic in a microsimulation environment were prepared using a  hierarchical concurrent state machine.  Autonomous vehicles are  skilled and have behavioral aspects such as tracking the lanes,  following the vehicles, complying with traffic rules, decelerating,  accelerating, and intersection crossings.  These driver behaviors are  parameterized to allow the autonomous agents to act while disregarding  the rules (i.e. aggressive behaviors) or behaving normally.  The TSS  is operated in 3 different modes, namely the orientation, training,  and testing modes.  During the orientation phase, the candidate  driver's target is to get used to the system and the vehicle, along  with traffic rules in city conditions.  During training, the driver is  warned orally (when necessary) and given written handouts about the  mistakes that occurred during the training session.  The rules to be  obeyed in traffic are kept in an XML file in the system and the data  are used to follow the driver's behaviors.  During the testing phase,  an evaluation mechanism is employed.  It observes whether the drivers  obey or disregard the rules during the testing time interval.  At the  end of the test drive, a report showing the driver's mistakes is  given.  The reports and test results can be recorded in the database  with the drivers' names for further analysis and evaluation processes.  Driver candidates perform the driving using a steering wheel and  pedals, along with a screen platform consisting of 3 monitors.  With  the TSS user interface, parameterized items such as vehicle selection,  the crowdedness of the traffic, the timing of the traffic lights, and  the determination of air conditions are possible.  The system provides  a cheap, affordable, and nonrisky platform for the trainees.  Test  results show that the system improves the drivers' skills and builds  trust in them.

 

In this study, a traffic simulation system (TSS) to provide  novice driver candidates with opportunities for training and testing  has been developed.  Autonomous vehicles that follow the flow of  traffic in a microsimulation environment were prepared using a  hierarchical concurrent state machine.  Autonomous vehicles are  skilled and have behavioral aspects such as tracking the lanes,  following the vehicles, complying with traffic rules, decelerating,  accelerating, and intersection crossings.  These driver behaviors are  parameterized to allow the autonomous agents to act while disregarding  the rules (i.e. aggressive behaviors) or behaving normally.  The TSS  is operated in 3 different modes, namely the orientation, training,  and testing modes.  During the orientation phase, the candidate  driver's target is to get used to the system and the vehicle, along  with traffic rules in city conditions.  During training, the driver is  warned orally (when necessary) and given written handouts about the  mistakes that occurred during the training session.  The rules to be  obeyed in traffic are kept in an XML file in the system and the data  are used to follow the driver's behaviors.  During the testing phase,  an evaluation mechanism is employed.  It observes whether the drivers  obey or disregard the rules during the testing time interval.  At the  end of the test drive, a report showing the driver's mistakes is  given.  The reports and test results can be recorded in the database  with the drivers' names for further analysis and evaluation processes.  Driver candidates perform the driving using a steering wheel and  pedals, along with a screen platform consisting of 3 monitors.  With  the TSS user interface, parameterized items such as vehicle selection,  the crowdedness of the traffic, the timing of the traffic lights, and  the determination of air conditions are possible.  The system provides  a cheap, affordable, and nonrisky platform for the trainees.  Test  results show that the system improves the drivers' skills and builds  trust in them.

Article Details

The development of a hardware- and software-based simulation platform for the training of driver candidates

Authors: Abdullah ÇAVUŞOĞLU | İsmail KURNAZ

Publisher: TUBITAK

Journal: Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2013 Vol.21 Issue 1, pp.131-143

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 12/2012

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2000743387

Frequency: Bimonthly

eISSN: 1303-6203

pISSN: 1300-0632

Issues

Authors:

Abdullah ÇAVUŞOĞLU | İsmail KURNAZ

Publisher:

TUBITAK

Journal:

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2013 Vol.21 Issue 1, pp.131-143

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2012

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2000743387

Frequency:

Bimonthly

eISSN:

1303-6203

pISSN:

1300-0632