Automatic generation of realistic driving environments for simulators
About the thesis project
Driving simulators are flexible research tools where a human driver interacts with its surroundings. Different research questions often need different environments and thus, it is important to be able to create realistic and detailed roads that might exist or might be fictional.
Building a detailed environment manually takes time. Open datasets such as OpenStreetMap could make it possible to generate environments automatically. VTI can also complement open data with data from a recently acquired measurement vehicle equipped with LiDAR, GPS and a 360-degree camera.
Previous efforts in this direction have used photos from a helicopter view. These images have been used to generate 3D environments. Such a generated environment typically looks good from far up in the sky but from a pedestrian view they are too rugged and cannot be used for driving simulators. Thus, just using photos for generating environments is not enough, this approach needs to be combined with other methods such as e.g., machine learning to automatically provide a good driving environment.
The aim of this project is to use available data sources (preferably open) to model roads and their surroundings. Also that generated environments look good from a pedestrian or driver’s view as they as traffic users get very close to their surroundings.
The thesis work includes the following tasks:
- Literature and state of the art study
- Developing road object models using open data
- Perform tests in mini driving simulators or XR with test participants and collect impressions of the environment
- Collect results in a report
- Educational background in the areas of computer engineering, computer science or a similar area
- Experience in graphics programming machine learning
- Ability to work independently and to take initiatives
Practical information
The thesis is available for one or two students and will be carried out at the Vehicle systems and Driving simulators unit at VTI, either at the Linköping or Gothenburg office.
Questions and application
For questions and application contact
Linus Hilding - linus.hilding@vti.se
Research on future vehicles and transport systems
At VTI's Vehicle Systems and Driving Simulation (FSK) unit, we study how future vehicles and transport systems can be developed, tested and evaluated.
We combine advanced simulation, experimental testing and systems analysis to investigate complex questions in safe and realistic environments.
This is where technology, people and transport systems come together – and as a Master's thesis student, you will have the opportunity to work closely with current research.