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Realtime Technologies Releases Driver Distraction Simulator

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- Realtime Technologies, part of Arotech Corp.'s Training and Simulation Division, announced the release of a new driver distraction simulator.

This new simulator offers the performance of mid- to high-fidelity simulators at a price that makes them affordable to cost-conscious consumers.

RTI developed the simulator with implemented scenarios that allow simulator-based evaluations of new driver interfaces based on the driver distraction guidelines provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Using RTI's flagship SimCreator product, complex validated simulation models are scaled and targeted to run on distributed and multiprocessor systems. Now, all the features traditionally reserved for more expensive, high-end simulators are within reach to those with a more modest budget.

The driver distraction simulator is powered by RTI's core driving simulator software, the same SimCreator and SimVehicle products that RTI delivers in its high-end research simulators. The software models have been validated and are used by vehicle manufacturers and suppliers around the world.  SimCreator also makes it easy to interface other applications into the simulator for testing and development tasks.

Key features of the simulator include compact and portable configurations; a pre-built driving database; a user-friendly scenario selection interface; standardized scenarios, and a 60 Hz update rate that provides smooth graphics presentation and rapid system response to the driving environment.

The driver distraction simulator comes complete with a fully instrumented open cockpit vehicle cab, three 42-inch monitors providing a 150-degree forward field view, three visual computers for all visual displays, and a laptop-based operator workstation. Software for the simulator includes SimCreator for control of the simulator system along with Operator's Experimental Interface for experimental control and collection of results. RTI offers SimVista as optional software that aids in the design and control of visual databases and behavior.

Using the optional SimVista scene and scenario control package, customized scenarios can be modified through the GUI to run during the day or night and with rain, snow or fog. Traffic volume is controllable in the scenario. Scenarios will include driver distraction scenarios based on NHTSA guidelines.  Software specifications include a variety of driving scenarios (for example, rural-urban-freeway, monotonous-moderate-complex roadway geometry, low-moderate-heavy traffic, night or day time, different weather conditions, and more), programmable software, and easily modified scenarios (traffic signage, traffic volume and vehicle type) with GUI.

RTI is excited that their affordable Driver Distraction simulator can now be used by researchers as an effective tool to better understand how drivers respond to stimuli that interfere with their reaction to the road.

RTI offers simulation software applications, consulting, custom engineering, software, and hardware development. RTI's customer base includes university researchers throughout the U.S. and Canada, international, government and private entities. Founded in 1998, RTI is based in Royal Oak, Michigan and has a satellite office in South Jordan, Utah.

Arotech's Training and Simulation Division consists of FAAC Incorporated (www.faac.com) and its divisions IES Interactive Training (www.ies-usa.com), and Realtime Technologies (www.simcreator.com).

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