ORCLSim: A System Architecture for Studying Bicyclist and Pedestrian Physiological Behavior through Immersive Virtual Environments

Injuries and fatalities for vulnerable road users, especially bicyclists pedestrians, are on the rise. To better inform design we need to evaluate how bicyclist pedestrian behavior physiological states change in different roadway contextual settings. Previous research highlights advantages of using immersive virtual environments (IVEs) conducting studies. These do not put participants at risk injury, low cost compared on-road or naturalistic studies, allow researchers fully control variables interest. In this paper, propose a framework, Omni-Reality Cognition Lab Simulator (ORCLSim), support human sensing techniques within IVEs behavioral changes showcase present two case where pilot data from five participants’ responses an IVE setting collected analyzed, representing real-world segments traffic conditions. Results these studies indicate that sensitive environment real-time events IVE, heart rate gaze behavior. addition, our preliminary may respond differently various settings (e.g., signalized vs. unsignalized intersections). By analyzing changes, future can identify stress level cognitive load impacted by surrounding environment. The ORCLSim system architecture is prototype be customized understanding users’ reality