Evaluation of Driver Seating Fatigue during Long-Time Driving Using Motion and Static Driving Simulators

Kota Kurita･Yamato Masuda･Soichiro Hayakawa･Ryojun Ikeura (Mie University)･Tetsuya Kitagawa (Fortec)

This study aims to compare and examine the effects of seat motion on driver seating fatigue during long-time driving using both motion and static driving simulators. Fatigue evaluation was conducted using objective assessments based on various physical condition indicators, as well as subjective assessments through questionnaires. By comparing these indicators, differences in fatigue are clarified.

A Preliminary Proposal for a Method to Estimate Lumbar Load by Considering Seat and Backrest Reactions

Rintaro Manabe･Yoshio Tsuchiya (Kagawa University)

Sitting for long periods of time, such as while driving, is believed to be a cause of poor blood circulation and low back pain. To identify the causes of these issues, it is necessary to accurately assess the strain on the lower back. To this end, we measured the pressure exerted on the seat and backrest of a chair, developed a prototype model to estimate lower back strain based on these measurements, and conducted simulation evaluations.

Occupant Behavior Analysis in Seating Posture including Large Backrest Inclination
-Whole-Body Frequency Response Characteristics under Six-Axis Frequency Sweep Excitation-

Daichi Kato･Atsushi Kawaguchi (Toyota Central R&D Labs.)･Tetsuhiro Okuda (Toyota Boshoku)

Toward comfort evaluation in next-generation mobility, this study investigated occupant behavior in seating postures with large backrest inclination. Whole-body dynamic responses under six-axis frequency sweep excitations were measured using a motion capture system. The results of this preliminary study indicate that frequency response characteristics vary depending on backrest inclination and excitation direction.

Analysis of Pedal-Switching Characteristics During the Transition to Parking

Yudai Baba･Junya Inoue (Graduate School of Industrial Technology, Nihon University)･Keisuke Kazama･Yoshitaka Marumo (College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University)･Machiko Hiramatsu (Nissan Motor)･Hiroshi Mouri (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

This study aims to clarify the impact of the driving environment on pedal misapplication accidents. To achieve this, we measured and compared pedal operations during normal driving and parking. Pedal-switching behaviors were classified into "heel-pivot" and "foot-shifting" types. For the heel-pivot type, the heel position shifted toward the brake pedal during parking. We confirmed that this shift altered lower limb kinematics. These changes suggest a potential contribution to the occurrence of pedal misapplications.