Grand Theft Auto-Based Cycling Simulator for Cognitive Enhancement Technologies in Dangerous Traffic Situations

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Traffic Safety Engineering
• Virtual Reality Simulation

Background:

• Developing and testing cognitive enhancement technology (CET) for traffic safety, like bike accident prevention, poses real-world risks.
• Existing simulation methods may lack realism or be prohibitively expensive, hindering effective evaluation.
• A need exists for a safe, realistic, and cost-effective simulator for cyclist-involved traffic scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel cycling simulator leveraging the video game Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) for safe and realistic testing of CET.
• To evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the GTA V-based simulator for assessing cyclist-facing dangerous traffic situations.
• To present findings from user evaluations of the simulator and early-stage CET concepts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Grand Theft Auto V's sophisticated traffic system and open world as a foundation for the simulator.
• Developed custom modification scripts to control experimental scenarios and data output within GTA V.
• Integrated an off-the-shelf bicycle with sensors as a realistic input device for cyclist movement and speed.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a functional cycling simulator for testing dangerous traffic scenarios involving cyclists, cars, and trucks.
• Conducted user evaluations of the simulator and two early-stage CET concepts designed to alert cyclists to hazards.
• Gathered insights from the first iteration of the user-centered design (UCD) process.

Conclusions:

• The GTA V-based cycling simulator provides a safe, realistic, and cost-effective platform for CET development and evaluation.
• User feedback highlights areas for improvement in the simulator's design and functionality.
• Further research is needed to enhance CET for better user perception of dangerous traffic situations.