Concept simulator K3F: a flexible framework for driving simulations

Abstract

Developing and evaluating automotive user interfaces and driver assistance systems in real vehicles and in simulators is an effortful and costly process. To reduce the effort in defining and conducting user studies, this demo introduces the concept simulator K3F. K3F is a highly flexible driving simulation environment that allows a quick and easy modification and exchange of its hard- and software components including simulation software, dashboard/infotainment, and peripheral systems. The K3F software supports a convenient setup of user studies and a comprehensive collection of data. It simplifies the creation and modification of virtual environments and the development of real-world street scenarios. The integration of a driver model based on the ACT-R cognitive architecture allows not only the explanation of observed behavior, but also the prediction of human driving patterns.