A HMD-Based Virtual Reality Driving Simulator

Recent advances in optics, HMD design, 3D graphics chips, and processes for personal computers have combined to make HMD based virtual reality driving simulators available at low cost. A HMD with a resolution of 1,024 by 768 with a FOV of 50o diagonally is now available for about $20,000. A graphics processor that can render large databases at fast frame rates costs only $400. Personal computers can now support multiple processors that run over 1 Gigahertz. We discuss visual concerns with a HMD, choosing a HMD for a driving simulator, HMDs compared with fixed displays, consequences of improved frame rates, autonomous vehicles, and the use of a HMD based driving simulator for studying drivers who have cognitive impairments