HIGHLIGHTS AND NEW FEATURES
FY22 resulted in a number of system upgrades and custom development for the miniSim team:
- A new feature called “Review” was added to the standard release, so now users can review any drive on the main displays.
- Engineering students designed a new steering system for the Simplified Cab. This can be configured for either an aftermarket wheel or an OEM wheel with turn signal and wiper stalks.
- Integration of another OEM driver monitoring system for use in driver impairment research.
- Three new custom scenarios for testing driver impairment were developed for a NHTSA-sponsored study in three languages: English, Spanish, and French.
- New computer rack design to reduce cost and shipping expense.
FY22 miniSim partners
New systems or upgrades:
- Cognitive Research Corporation
- Leidos, Inc.
- University of Toronto
- University of Kansas
- San Jose State University
- Westat, Inc.
- Transport Canada
- University of Hartford
- University of Windsor
NEW AND IMPROVED MINISIM RESOURCES
ISAT Demo Scenario Library
A new Interactive Scenario Authoring Tool (ISAT) Demo Scenario Library is making it easier for training users and answering commonly asked questions. In it, 33 demonstration scenarios cover the basics of scenario authoring, each accompanied by instructions for new users.
Programmable Instrument Panel
The miniSim instrument panel has also been enhanced to include odometer components (digit switches), and the initial mileage is now configurable by the user from the scenario. Scenario controls initialize the values, and vehicle dynamics control the updates.
Users can also now customize the generic instrument panel (not pictured), where different icons can be used on the panel, and the center area can be customized.
Other new elements
ANATOMY OF A BUILD
University of Toronto upgrade
The University of Toronto’s miniSim was originally delivered in 2013 to the Human Factors and Applied Statistics Lab in the Department of Industrial Engineering. It was upgraded on-site in May 2022 with new PCs, steering system, dashboard, four-channel video recording, cameras and a motion system with three degrees of freedom. Here are some photos of that upgrade process:
