Development of Fuzzy-based Automatic Vehicle Control System in a Virtual Reality Environment

The purpose of this study is aimed at developing an automatic vehicle control system by applying the techniques of Virtual Reality (VR) and fuzzy control. The researchers utilize VR software and Superscape VRT (SVRT), to build the VR scenes and manipulate the vehicle objects through Superscape control language. Then, the researchers make good use of the detecting attributes designed in the front and both sides of the controlled vehicle to detect the traffic condition and the environment around the controlled vehicle. Applying the object attributes in SVRT, the relative distance and velocity between the proceeding vehicle and the controlled one can be measured and obtained instead of using expensive sensor systems in real vehicles. Furthermore, the fuzzy control programs are written in C++, compiled into the dynamic link library format, and channeled into VR to manipulate the controlled vehicle. As a result, the controlled vehicle moves according to the speed limit, and is also able to keep a safe distance from the proceeding vehicle if the proceeding vehicle moves too slowly or the traffic condition is not allowed to pass. Furthermore, the controlled vehicle will pass the proceeding vehicle if the traffic conditions are allowed.