Driving simulation protocol to determine steering strategies

Abstract Objective This paper aims to propose an experimental protocol that allow to measure the steering behavior of drivers under equal tracks. Background In order to improve the existing electric power steering system, there is a need for a better understanding of the steering task, especially for building functional driver profiles for the disabled population. Method We built the experimental platform proposed in this paper in order to measure the steering actions with control and disabled groups. This platform reproduces the driving position and simulates driving conditions. In addition, the platform offers a fully instrumented steering wheel and is compatible with motion capture systems and complies with the hospital's recommendations. We added a specific driving simulation protocol based on a line-tracking task. The line's shape causes the subject to reproduce steering angle that was recorded with a real car. This way, the protocol insures that the subjects perform steering patterns that are similar enough to be compared at low driving speeds. The protocol was tested on control and disabled groups. Results Results showed that the task was correctly performed and that all subjects completed the task with a low enough deviation, thus insuring good repeatability. We compared the steering pattern of all the subjects, and we suggest some inter-group differences, especially in steering velocity. Conclusion The experimental platform induces the subjects to complete driving itineraries with comparable steering patterns. Other parameters can now be compared to fulfill a more in-depth analysis of the steering action in the disabled population, in order to define functional profiles of drivers. Relevance to industry Existing electric power steering system will be adapted to functional profiles of drivers that will be defined from the proposed experimental protocol.