Design and Integration of a Driving Simulator With Eye-Tracking Capabilities in the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)

Abstract : While the D-Flow software has many applications intended for walking, running, and balance, it does not include any premade driving simulation scenarios. The driving simulator NHRC required would have a variety of easily modified road courses, the ability to collect data for research purposes, simulate realistic automobile movements using the motion base platform, and the ability to integrate an eye-tracking system. While the D-Flow software is capable of controlling the system and creating driving scenarios, it does not contain a variety of easily modified road courses, has no module to simulate realistic automobile movements during driving, and does not allow for eye-tracking capabilities. The driving simulator and eye-tracking systems integrated into the CAREN allow for the creation of repeatable scenarios with generated data results from the software platforms. These added abilities increase the research and rehabilitation effectiveness of the NHRC CAREN.