The University of Wisconsin engineering department recently acquired a new simulator device that will test driver awareness with new technological distractions, to add to its repertoire of research tools.

Engineering professors John Lee and David Noyce are working with the simulator and are customizing it to fit their research needs.

The simulator will provide researching opportunities that will collect data to make drivers and roads safer by testing new technology in a controlled environment, according to Lee.

The simulator is a full sized car with projection screens surrounding its exterior.

“It’s almost like a large video game, and we are able to control the scene the test subject sees such as urban or country,” Noyce said.

The device also provides data on the condition of its test subject. For example, the simulator tracks the driver’s eye movements to know what they look at as they drive.

It also tracks the drivers’ heart rate, breathing and skin conductance, to measure sweaty palms. All those indicators give insight to the mental state of the driver, Lee said.

The two lead professors are taking two different approaches to the research. Lee will focus on driver distractions; while Noyce said he will focus on driving messages and their effectiveness.

“The simulator provides a safe environment to assess how distractions, such as texting, using a smart phone and selecting music affects driving,” Lee said.

This research can be used in the future for the production of cars because new car technology is becoming increasingly computerized.

“The technology that is in the simulator for tracking the state of the driver is likely to make its way into cars in the future. Soon your car will know if you are tired, distracted or even drunk,” Lee said.

Noyce said his focus will lie in how the test subject responds to driving messages such as signs, stoplights and screens. In this way, he will be able to make conclusions on how to optimize traffic messages.

The simulator was purchased with a collaboration of funds from UW, the school of engineering and a variety of research agencies they sought out.

Graduate students will be heavily involved in the project, and some undergraduates will also take part in the research portion. UW students may also get involved by becoming test subjects in the virtual driving world.