A method for simulating different traffic situations for an autonomous or semiautonomous test vehicle. The method includes the simulated driving of the test vehicle through a simulated road network, and the simulated randomized driving of other vehicles through the simulated road network. The method also includes the capture of vehicle driving parameters. Further according to the method, there is a determination of whether a predefined traffic situation is satisfied by the test vehicle and at least one of the other vehicles, the at least one other vehicle being within a test zone around the test vehicle. Where the predefined traffic situation is satisfied, randomized driving of the at least one other vehicle can be stopped, and the at least one other vehicle can be made to perform a predetermined driving maneuver. The predetermined driving maneuver can provoke a reaction by the test vehicle.

A method for simulating different traffic situations for an autonomous or semiautonomous test vehicle. The method includes the simulated driving of the test vehicle through a simulated road network, and the simulated randomized driving of other vehicles through the simulated road network. The method also includes the capture of vehicle driving parameters. Further according to the method, there is a determination of whether a predefined traffic situation is satisfied by the test vehicle and at least one of the other vehicles, the at least one other vehicle being within a test zone around the test vehicle. Where the predefined traffic situation is satisfied, randomized driving of the at least one other vehicle can be stopped, and the at least one other vehicle can be made to perform a predetermined driving maneuver. The predetermined driving maneuver can provoke a reaction by the test vehicle.

A vehicle rollover simulator is provided. The rollover simulator includes a cage assembly that is rotationally suspended in a frame assembly. A transmission motor assembly is removably connected to the frame assembly and to the cage assembly to rotate the cage assembly to an inverted position for training. A brake assembly is provided that prevents rotation of the cage assembly and significantly enhances stability. The assemblies of the simulator can be disassembled and are sized to be readily carried by hand through typically dimensioned doorways, hallways and stairwells such that manually moving the rollover simulator is readily accomplished.

A vehicle rollover simulator is provided. The rollover simulator includes a cage assembly that is rotationally suspended in a frame assembly. A transmission motor assembly is removably connected to the frame assembly and to the cage assembly to rotate the cage assembly to an inverted position for training. A brake assembly is provided that prevents rotation of the cage assembly and significantly enhances stability. The assemblies of the simulator can be disassembled and are sized to be readily carried by hand through typically dimensioned doorways, hallways and stairwells such that manually moving the rollover simulator is readily accomplished.

A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

An interaction test system provides a first virtual reality layer associated with a first test environment to a first test object and a second virtual reality layer associated with a second test environment to a second test object, such that a mixed reality perceived by the first and second test objects correspond. The system derives first object data including status information and/or actions of the first test object, provides first object behavior data to the second virtual reality layer such that status information and/or actions of the first object are included in the mixed reality perceived by the second object, derives second object data including status information and/or actions of the second test object, and provides second object behavior data to the first virtual reality layer such that status information and/or actions of the second object are included in the mixed reality perceived by the first object.

A system for manipulation of objects. The system includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and a mechanism for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects. A method for manipulating objects. The method includes the steps of receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller; determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move. An apparatus for tracking. The apparatus includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and a mechanism for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter. The present invention pertains to a method for tracking. The method includes the steps of emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.

A system for manipulation of objects. The system includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and a mechanism for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects. A method for manipulating objects. The method includes the steps of receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller; determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move. An apparatus for tracking. The apparatus includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and a mechanism for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter. The present invention pertains to a method for tracking. The method includes the steps of emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.

System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving the training of a driver during automated driving system mode. In one embodiment, a method includes generating, in association with a vehicle takeover and a maneuver by the driver, an automated motion plan associated with the maneuver. The method also includes determining if a difference parameter satisfies a threshold, wherein the difference parameter indicates a disparity between the maneuver by the driver in relation to the automated motion plan associated with the maneuver. The method also includes notifying, if the difference parameter does not satisfy the threshold, the driver that the vehicle takeover and the maneuver by the driver were unnecessary.