Mercedes-Benz AG is planning to use a virtual reality system to help customers decide which new car model to buy. It says the Cyberspace system will help the customer of the future to take the first test drive of his new vehicle by wearing a monitor helmet that will replicate actual conditions. The computer automatically follows any head movements and transmits the corresponding images to the helmet display unit to give the tester the impression of sitting behind the wheel of a real car. By using a data glove that is linked to the computer, the driver can operate functions on the imaginary instrument panel. The research project, based in Berlin, is using hardware from Silicon Graphics Inc – a Power Series 4D/440 Reality Engine and an Indy machine. The software is being developed by Berlin-based software specialist Art & Comm GmbH, which is working closely with Mercedes-Benz on the project. The image seen in the headset runs at only five to 10 frames per second at the moment. The company said the project is still in its early stages, so the rate should increase. The glove is not yet interactive, but will be ultimately, Mercedes-Benz says. The company was not clear on exactly how the system will help the driver to select a different model of car, since the type of seat covering and the colour of the car will be that of the simulator rather than the car itself. As the project is a long-term one, there is no concrete date for its arrival in car showrooms. The simulator will be shown at the Hannover Fair.
