Angular Velocity Perception Threshold and Sense of Presence for a Three Degrees of Freedom (DOF). Driving Simulator in Virtual Environment

Abstract

Angular velocity perception plays an important role for a better sense of presence in driving simulators. This paper deals with the angular velocity perception threshold and sense of presence. A three degrees of freedom (DOF: roll, pitch, and heave) driving simulator, a motion tracking sensor, a driving simulation software, and self-prepared questionnaires were used. Due to the subjective assessments, there were no significant differences between static and dynamic platform types. Eight different cases were investigated with respect to visual and inertial factors (field of view (FOV) and motion platform). Subjective evaluations showed that there were no significant differences between static and dynamic conditions. Lower FOV, static platform, stereo vision condition has provided the best condition (best realism depending on objective-subjective measure relationship).