Recent advances in optics, HMD (helmet-mounted display) design, 3D graphics chips, and processes for personal computers have combined to make HMD based virtual reality driving simulators available at low cost. A HMD with a resolution of 1,024 by 768 with a FOV of 50 degree diagonally is now available for about $20,000. A graphics processor that can render large databases at fast frame rates costs only $400. Personal computers can now support multiple processors that run over 1 Gigahertz. Visual concerns with a HMD, choosing a HMD for a driving simulator, HMDs compared with fixed displays, consequences of improved frame rates, autonomous vehicles, and the use of a HMD based driving simulator for studying drivers who have cognitive impairments are discussed.
Abstract