Project results: Enhancement of an existing driving simulator and cost efficient data analysis
- Transfer of newest results from research in eye tracking analysis to applied research
- Modification and enhancement of an existing driving simulator environment
- Cost efficient data analysis with Blickshift Analytics
In spring 2018, we have started to cooperate with the Competence Center “Vision Research” at the Aalen University. Our cooperation aims at bringing together the newest results from eye tracking data analysis with applied science in the field of visual perception at the Aalen University (Figure 1 shows a photo from our kick-off meeting in March).
Figure 1: Kick-off meeting of our cooperation. From left: Dr. Michael Wörner, Judith Ungewiß, Dr. Michael Raschke and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schiefer
In the two large laboratory rooms, so called the Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL), the Vision Research group offers an optimal environment for the analysis of human visual perception. The rooms provide complete darkness conditions, variable light control, high resolution projectors and sound systems. One of the laboratories is currently used for analyzing eye movements in car driving scenarios. Therefore, ZEISS VELVET (planetarium) projectors create an immersive perception for a driving scenario. The participants sit in a modified AUDI A4 (see Figure 2) with digital dashboard and head up display. Eye and head movements are recorded with a Smart Eye system.
In our cooperation, Blickshift brings in its high expertise in analyzing eye movements and developing customized solutions for the various experiments at AMPEL.
Figure 2: The Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL) offers an optimal environment for the analysis of human visual perception
One of the first tasks has been to combine the Smart Eye eye tracking system with the existing driving simulator software at the lab. Additionally, we support AMPEL in calibrating the eye tracking and projector system.
As part of an industry project together with OSRAM Continental GmbH, we have enhanced the existing functionality of the driver simulator software for an efficient analysis of the eye movements and have supported the project partners in designing the virtual environment and the user experiments. After conducting the experiments, we will analyze the recorded eye movement and simulator data using Blickshift Analytics in a very high level of detail.
An overview about the contribution of Blickshift is given in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Workflow of our first project together with Vision Research Group and OSRAM AG
In addition to the field of eye movement analysis, we are working together with the Vision Research team to analyze recorded data from perimetric (visual field) examinations. Since many tasks in perimetry analysis have still to be done manually, there is a high potential for a software-supported analysis process in the future.
Client
The Vision Research Group at the Aalen University offers an optimal environment for the analysis of human visual perception. The rooms of the Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL) provide complete darkness conditions, variable light control, high resolution projectors and sound systems to analyze human visual perception. The goal of experiments performed in the AMPEL is to simulate conditions as realistic as possible in interdisciplinary in student projects, projects with partners from academia and industry.
As an international joint venture formed by the two equal partners OSRAM and Continental the global company OSRAM Continental GmbH combines modern lighting technologies with electronics and software to offer an extensive portfolio of smart, innovative lighting solutions for the automotive industry.