Daylight simulation for driving: Simulator interiors

Electronic innovations like driver assistance and information systems as well as X-by-wire technologies are radically changing the way of driving. User acceptance and effectivity of such systems greatly depends on the well-designed user interface. In addition, short development cycles and changing market dernands require fast prototyping tools. Especially in early stages of the development process the integration of the prototypes into a driving simulator contributes to reach these goals. Currently driving simulators use daylight conditions for the external view on the projection screen while the vehicle interior remains dark in order not to adversely affect the projection. On the other hand, early prototypes of controls can simply not be recognized because they often miss background illumination. Based on measurements of the illuminance distribution inside the vehicle under day light conditions several methods were developed to realize equivalent conditions in a driving simulator interior. This paper introduces several techniques to establish more realistic lighting conditions inside the simulator vehicle. Criteria such as ergonomic benefit and associated costs, color matching, interaction with the simulated scenery or compatibility with other simulators will be discussed