C.N.R.S., France's national research organisation, and Renault have set up the Virtual-Environment Motion Perception and Control Laboratory (LPCMV), a research unit investigating the mechanisms involved in sensory perception of space and motion.
This joint approach is expected to bring major benefits in the optimisation of virtual-reality tools. Researchers will be using simulation systems provided by Renault, including the ULTIMATE driving simulator, a lighting simulator, and a virtual-reality room.
The new laboratory will be employing a research team of about 30 at the Renault Technocentre in Guyancourt, west of Paris. CNRS and the Renault Research Department have set up a joint research unit, the LPCMV, to open the way for original research into virtual reality. The new laboratory will be investigating drivers' perception and interpretation mechanisms to develop a better understanding of the way individuals interact with their environment when performing tasks, such as driving a car. Research will be carried out entirely on Renault simulation systems. Specific issues under study include sensation of displacement (acceleration, braking, etc.) and driver perception of the immediate environment, starting with the vehicle cabin.
Scientists will be observing the way drivers use controls, and measuring how dashboard interfaces (screens, switches, voice command, etc.) affect driving practice. Another important research field is driver behaviour; driver reactions in different driving scenarios will be coming under close scientific scrutiny.
Findings from the laboratory's research work will be used for developing simulators in which driver reaction in the virtual domain will be accurately representative of real-life behaviour.
Scientific partnership
Through the LPCMV initiative, CNRS and Renault will be reaping full benefit from each other's experience in virtual reality. CNRS is to provide human resources by assigning research personnel to the new laboratory. And Renault will be providing the scientists with immersive simulation systems, like the ULTIMATE driving simulator, a lighting simulator, and a virtual-reality room.
CNRS is primarily seeking to develop its understanding of the mechanisms involved in the perception of space and motion. One of Renault's main objectives is to probe the differences and similarities in driver behaviour between real and virtual environments.
Renault will then also use the knowledge acquired in the virtual-reality experiments to improve its immersive simulation systems.
LPCMV was set up at the initiative of the Renault Simulation Technical Centre, and reports to the CNRS Life Sciences Department. It is located at the Renault Technocentre, in Guyancourt, west of Paris.