Summary:

The project focuses on creating and utilizing a virtual reality (VR) environment in Unity to evaluate driver behavior in various traffic scenarios. Participants wear VR headset and use a physical steering wheel to interact with a virtual vehicle within specifically designed simulations. The primary objective is to collect accurate and detailed data about driver responses in different traffic situations. This data is analyzed to provide valuable insights for decision-making in the planning and modification of road infrastructures.

Objectives:

1. Development of VR Environment: Create a highly realistic virtual environment in Unity that simulates diverse traffic scenarios, including heavy traffic, light traffic, and emergency situations.
2. Interaction with Virtual Vehicle: Integrate hardware such as real steering wheels and pedals to enable a more authentic and precise driving experience within the VR environment.
3. Driver Behavior Data Collection: Record data related to speed, braking, lane changes, and reactions to unexpected events during the simulations.
4. Variety of Tests and Scenarios: Design a series of tests and scenarios that reflect realistic and varied traffic conditions to capture a wide range of driver behaviors.
5. Data Analysis: Process and analyze the collected data to identify patterns of driver behavior in different traffic situations and extract relevant insights.
6. Informing Road Design Decisions: Use the analysis results to inform decision-making in the planning and modification of road infrastructures, such as incorporating new road structures, signage, or design modifications.

Methodology:

1. Scenario Preparation: Design realistic traffic scenarios using 3D assets, considering factors such as traffic density, weather conditions, and the presence of pedestrians.
2. Technical Implementation: Integrate real steering wheel hardware and VR goggles with Unity to achieve an immersive driving experience.
3. Participant Recruitment: Select a diverse group of participants to conduct driving tests in the VR environment.
4. Data Collection: Record participants’ actions and reactions as they interact with the virtual environment.
5. Data Analysis: Utilize statistical analysis tools to examine the data and determine behavior patterns in different traffic situations.
6. Reports and Recommendations: Generate detailed reports highlighting key findings and proposing specific recommendations for road planning and design based on the obtained results.

Expected Impact: The project has the potential to provide valuable insights for decision-making in road infrastructure planning and design, enhancing traffic safety and efficiency. By utilizing data obtained from both real and simulated traffic situations, more informed decisions can be made regarding the construction of new road structures and the optimization of existing ones.