Ágoston Pál Sándor

58100332300

Publications - 6

How realistic a bicycle simulator can be? - A validation study

Publication Name: Multimodal Transportation

Publication Date: 2025-03-01

Volume: 4

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The aim of this research is to objectively and subjectively validate the virtual reality Bicycle Simulator (BS) developed using off-the-shelf components at the University of Győr, Hungary. To this end, this research compares the performance of 32 participants in two real-world environments (Site 1: separated bicycle-pedestrian path and Site 2: advisory bicycle lane) and in their replication in virtual reality (VR). The objective measures collected for the comparison include speed and Cumulative Lateral Position (CLP), whereas subjective measures include the Perceived Level of Realism (PLR) based on participants’ self-reported perceptions in a post-experiment questionnaire. PLR is a new indicator that we propose using subjects' perceptions of speed, BS control, and VR representation. The combination of these subjective and objective measures is proposed as the Degree of Realism (DR) to standardise the classification of the realism level of a bicycle simulator. Subjectively, the results indicate that the BS provides a high level of safety and comfort for conducting such research. Subject characteristics have no significant influence on VR sickness scores or Perceived Level of Realism. Objectively, for both speed and CLP, we found no significant difference between on-site and the simulation measurements in the case of Site 1, but otherwise for Site 2. However, subjects were not able to accurately perceive either the actual or the relative differences. In conclusion, our bicycle simulator is a safe and comfortable traffic safety research tool that needs further improvement. The proposed preliminary concept of the degree of realism requires further investigation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.multra.2025.100193

Dynamic Vehicle Dashboard Design for Reduced Driver Distraction

Publication Name: Mechanisms and Machine Science

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 174 MMS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 645-654

Description:

In the context of contemporary vehicle dashboard systems, advanced In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) often employ touchscreen functionalities, and multi-layered menu structures. However, these solutions have been identified as more distracting for drivers compared to traditional tactile switches and buttons with single, dedicated functions. Our primary focus is on exploring the design capabilities of dynamic vehicle center console interfaces, leading to the inception of the Dynamic Human-Computer Interface System (DHCIS). DHCIS employs a context-aware, adaptive functional framework structure, which, rather than relying on deep menu layers, enhances the safety level in varied traffic situations by simplifying controls to one-touch features. The design concept has been compared with a generic user interface in terms of the handling method, operational steps and layout design.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-80512-7_63

Automatized Driving Data Analyzer: A Synchronized and Modular Application for Data Logging and Analysis †

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The Automated Driving Data Analyzer (ADDA) is a modular application written in Python for the synchronized acquisition and analysis of physiological, vehicle, and interface data. It provides a managed data acquisition process and one-click data analysis. It also provides raw data storage and systematic archiving of data sets. ADDA integrates real-time data from a BeamNG vehicle simulation, Pupil Labs eye-tracking system, hand-tracking, and cardiac data. This integration allows the simultaneous recording and analysis of multiple data streams, which can be visualized and controlled through a graphical user interface (GUI) built with Tkinter. The application is designed to help researchers and engineers analyze driving behavior under different conditions, enabling a deeper understanding of the interactions between the driver and automated driving functions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079018

Evaluation of Autonomous Vehicle Takeover Performance in Work-Zone Environment †

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The advent of autonomous vehicles (AV) could revolutionize the automotive industry by significantly improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility. Despite their potential to improve traffic safety by reducing human error, their integration into existing transportation systems presents significant challenges. This is particularly evident in scenarios involving takeover events, where there is a transition of control from the vehicle to the human driver. Our driving simulator study, involving 14 drivers in a work-zone environment, provides critical insights into the takeover performance of level 3 to level 5 AVs. The findings suggest that the successful integration of AVs depends on their seamless incorporation into existing systems and the readiness of drivers to adapt to this emerging technology.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079059

Communication between Autonomous Vehicles and Pedestrians: An Experimental Study Using Virtual Reality

Publication Name: Sensors

Publication Date: 2023-02-01

Volume: 23

Issue: 3

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

One of the major challenges of autonomous vehicles (AV) is their interaction with pedestrians. Unofficial interactions such as gestures, eye contact, waving, and flashing lights are very common behavioral patterns for drivers to express their intent to give priority. In our research we composed a virtual reality experiment for a pedestrian crossing in an urban environment in order to test pedestrians’ reactions on an LED light display mounted on a virtual AV. Our main research interest was to investigate whether communication patterns influence the decision making of pedestrians when crossing the road. In a VR environment, four scenarios were created with a vehicle approaching a pedestrian crossing with different speeds and displaying a special red/green sign to pedestrians. Here, 51 persons participating in the experiment had to decide when crossing is safe. Results show that the majority of people indicated they would cross in the time windows when it was actually safe to cross. Male subjects made their decision to cross slightly faster but no significant differences were found in the decision making by gender. It was found that age is not an influencing factor, either. Overall, a quick learning process was experienced proving that explicit communication patterns are self-explaining.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/s23031049

Car Simulator Study for the Development of a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Dashboard Concept

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 415-420

Description:

In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) have evolved with the integration of advanced technologies like touchscreens, enhancing vehicle functionality and infotainment features. However, the development of sustainable and user-centric dashboard interfaces embracing the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) concept remains limited. This research aims to explore the usability, advantages, and disadvantages of the BYOD concept within the context of IVIS. Specifically, it investigated the control of the onboard air conditioning system and selected Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions. To accomplish this, a complex simulation environment using Unity, Blender, and C# was developed. Eye-tracking technology was utilized to record participants' gaze patterns and attention allocation during experimental tasks. Following the simulation, participants provided subjective usability assessments of the system through questionnaires. The integration of a mobile phone with a suitable user interface as part of the BYOD concept generally led to enhanced usability and reduced distraction. This study underscores the potential benefits of integrating the BYOD concept into IVIS, emphasizing improved usability, sustainability, and user-friendliness. These findings hold significance for advancing the design of user-centric, sustainable interfaces in automotive technology.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107070